To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 (ESV)
So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gifts. Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)
All of God’s children have gifts and talents that He has given from above. The various gifts/talents are orchestrated by God to all work together, for the uplifting of His people.
Some of these gifts and talents are considered exceptional and persons who possess them may receive constant praise from others. And instead of showing kindness and humility when they are showered with praises, they begin to show superiority and look down upon others. They look at others’ gifts/talents as not “important” and feel they can truly disregard those with seemingly lesser gifts. They put down others openly or in backhanded ways, in order to feel lifted up, important, or special.
God is not pleased when these same boastful persons come to exhibit their gifts/talents before Him, knowing they have offended and wronged their fellow sisters and brothers. As the verse in Proverbs 21:3 says, God desires justice, not sacrifice. Meaning He wants us to present a humble and considerate disposition. To not ill-treat others with bad behavior, then look to come before Him showering “sacrificial” gifts and talents. He is not pleased. He states in Matthew 5:23-24, to go and first make it right with the one you have wronged, then come before Him with your gifts.
We must always ask ourselves, have we wronged our brother or sister? And if we have, did we go and ask forgiveness? Or do we carry on, having not made it right, yet looking to present our gifts/talents before God? God says clearly in 1 Samuel 15:22, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Meaning to listen and follow His teachings and, to treat others as we would want to be treated.
Seek to live a life of humility, integrity, and kindness to all you meet. Of course, use the gifts and talents God has given you. And if you have wronged anyone in any way, make sure to go and ask for forgiveness, before coming before the Lord, bearing your gifts.
May God be well pleased with you and I, as we seek to live out our best life.
Blessings,
Angélique