Note 14 at Mt. 5:23: The word "therefore" makes Jesus' instructions in verses 23-24 a direct result of what He said in verses 21-22. He is saying, "Because the consequences of having strife in your heart are so severe, don't offer a sacrifice to God if your brother is upset with you. Make reconciliation first, and then come and offer your gift."

Notice also that Jesus says, "(if) your brother has ought against you." It should be clear that you are not supposed to have strife in your heart towards your brother (Mt. 6:14- 15; Mk. 11:25-26; James 3:14-16; 1 Jn. 2:9-10; 4:20). But Jesus reveals our responsibility to our brother even when he has hard feelings toward us. We are supposed to take the initiative in reconciliation (Eph. 4:32), even as God did with us (Job 42:10; Rom. 5:8).