23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 4:23-24

In the previous verses, we see what happens when we become bitter against someone else, but what happens if someone we know becomes bitter and resentful against us (and we know about it)? That’s the issue presented in these verse.

We know that Jesus Himself had hundreds if not thousands of people who were against Him at everything He said, but He could not reasonably go to each of them and reconcile them to Him. It was just not practical. If, however, one of His disciples had a grudge, Jesus would be compelled to speak to him about it. That’s the level of relationship He was referring to here.

I’ve had to go to people numerous times when I believe the person was offended, and it isn’t pleasant. It’s awkward and humbling, but it clears the air in the relationship. It’s even happened that I only perceived that there was an offense when none existed.