If murder, anger, and contempt are all liable to judgment, what does Jesus say is the way to deal with it? In the two examples he gives us, we see that personal reconciliation is the answer. The new kingdom community is about relationships.

Reconciliation is urgent. In the first example, Jesus tells his disciples that reconciliation is more important than fulfilling your religious duty. This could have been a big deal for folks who made their way to Jerusalem once or twice a year. That sacrifice was important, something they may have waited a while to be able to do. But Jesus steers them from performing their act of worship until after reconciliation had been accomplished. In the example, the animosity is between brothers and sisters, possibly within the church community. Grant Osborne points out that the fault between the two appears ambiguous, and the one who recognizes the matter between them should take the initiative to resolve it.

Judgment is imminent. In the second example, Jesus mentions an accuser, presumably someone external to the brothers and sisters. It is important to settle matters while we are still able. There is a time coming when we will be called to account for our thoughts, words, and actions. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21 ESV)