“So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24

A long-time friend and I had an interesting discussion today about a problem we have seen developing in society and, even worse, in the Church. I am going to call this the problem of the “unfriend button.” On social media platforms you can get rid of any friend by simply pressing a button. Do they disagree with your political stance? Just hit the button! Did they hurt your feelings? Just hit the button! Did they fail to show up to your event? Just hit the button! The problem is that this has now become the way we deal with one another in real life. As soon as we are unhappy with one thing someone does, we simply cut them off without ever saying another word. We act as though that person was never part of our life. As soon as a problem develops in the relationship, we hit the “unfriend button”! My friend and I were able to share many circumstances where good friends – people we had poured hours of time and energy into – simply disappeared without a word because they were unhappy about something.

The “unfriend button” is the exact opposite of what Scripture teaches. We are taught to love one another, communicate with one another, and reconcile with one another. In fact, Jesus teaches us in Matthew chapter 5 that you cannot have a proper relationship with God unless you are willing to pursue healthy relationships with your brothers and sisters. Refusing to pursue healthy relationships and reconcile differences with those around you will always hinder your relationship with God.

Heavenly Father, keep us ever mindful of the importance of relationships. Help us to lovingly pursue our brothers and sisters in the same way you have pursued us.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon