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NASB | Matthew 5:24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:24 leave your offering there at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come and present your offering. |
Bible Question:
I know tht verse well. However, at the alter, I am not offering a gift, but rather seeking the forgiveness from God. How could one expect others to forgive if they have not sought forgiveness from God first ? Without the forgiveness from God, how could one forgive themselves? Without Forgiveness of self, would their be a true repentant heart? When we sin is it not a sin against God first, as we are His children? |
Bible Answer: Dear spirit, The altar thing is talking about any kind of worship of God. You asked, "How could one expect others to forgive if they have not sought forgiveness from God first?" Good question. Only a beleiver can really forgive, because forgiveness is not a natural behavior. You asked, "Without the forgiveness from God, how could one forgive themselves?" Forgiveness is not about feelings. It is a matter of truth, based on what God says. If a judge declares a defendant innocent, that innocence does not depend on the feelings of the defendant. If a money lender forgives a debt, the freedom from that obligation does not depend on the feelings of the debtor. You ask, "When we sin is it not a sin against God first, as we are His children?" All sin is a sin against God first and foremost (Psalm 51:4). It is good for us to remember, if we belong to the Lord, our last sin -- if it were the only sin to have ever been committed -- would have still required the death of Christ for our redemption. God bless you as you seek the Lord. In Him, Doc |