Have you ever left worship angry? Let me ask that another way, have you ever left the assembly because you were angry and realized that you had to make it right before you sang one more song or said “Fine, how are you to one more person?”
Jesus straight up tells us that if we realized we have wronged someone that we shouldn’t continue worshiping God as if everything is okay. Instead, he says, we are to drop everything to go and reconcile things with that person,
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matt 5:21-24
Jesus tells us there is a time to leave worship…to walk right out in the middle of things. That is how important reconciliation and forgiveness are. Even more important, that reflects a heart that understands the devastating effects of staying angry with someone else, especially another child of God.
So do not be angry but if you are drop everything, even worship, to go make things right again. The truth is, when you do that you never left worship but experienced the very heart of worship in your reconciliation. Sometimes during the invitation we have asked people to reconcile things with anyone else in the room they have had an issue with because it is that important. To hold onto anger and hatred it not just murdering your brother or sisters…it takes two people’s lives. It is mind-murder of the one you are angry with and spiritual suicide to your own soul. So go make things right if you are angry and do not let bitterness take hold of your heart.
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