Repairing Broken Relationships Before Worship

By Masanobu Nonogaki | April 23, 2025

Even after becoming a Christian, do you find relationships difficult?

Despite our faith in the Lord Jesus, we remain sinful human beings. Friction in relationships is inevitable. Yet, Jesus consistently stands between us, encouraging reconciliation. In this article, we explore how to repair broken relationships—and why it's essential before worship.

The Words of Jesus

"Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him..."— Matthew 5:23–26, KJV

When Relationships Break Down

What do you do when you're at odds with someone?

Many choose avoidance, hoping time will heal the wound. Others write off the relationship, thinking, “I don’t need to deal with that person.” Before I became a Christian, I did the same—avoiding conflict and believing reconciliation was unnecessary.

But after coming to faith, I realized my avoidance was rooted in selfishness. It lacked love for my neighbor.

Why Reconciliation Comes Before Worship

Jesus teaches that reconciliation must come before offering our worship to God.

Why? Isn’t worshiping God more important than patching things up with someone?

In truth, our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationships with others are deeply intertwined. Jesus summarized the law with two commandments:

• Love God.

• Love your neighbor.

We cannot fulfill one and neglect the other.

Horizontal Love Reflects Vertical Faith

Many Christians mistakenly focus solely on their relationship with God, ignoring those around them. But Scripture makes it clear: the love we show others reflects the authenticity of our love for God.

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar..."— 1 John 4:20-21, KJV

Online debates and sharp-tongued arguments—even between believers—show how love has grown cold. Can we truly claim to be living in the Kingdom of God while harboring bitterness toward one another?

🛠️ Repairing Before Worship

Before coming to worship, we must take steps to make things right.

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners..."— James 4:8-10, KJV

True repentance includes the humility to admit: “I was wrong.”

Too often, we say, “I’m sorry, but I expect them to apologize too.”That’s not genuine repentance. Jesus warns that true reconciliation requires resolve—even sacrifice.

The Process of Reconciliation

"If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone..."— Matthew 18:15–20, KJV

Jesus outlines a clear process:

1. Talk one-on-one with the person.

2. Bring a trusted Christian as a witness if needed.

3. Take it to the church if there’s still no resolution.

And the promise?

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Even in our most difficult conversations, Jesus is present—mediating and offering grace.

✝️ A Personal Testimony

At one point, I was in a deeply painful conflict. But I believed: “Jesus can repair this.” With courage, I faced the situation. After an honest conversation, we both wept and prayed. That moment became a turning point—not just for our relationship, but for our spiritual growth.

Final Thought

True worship flows from a heart at peace—with God and with others. Reconciliation is hard, humbling work, but it is the way of Jesus. Let us strive to be peacemakers—people who love God and love others with sincerity.