So then, when God reveals to us that we have a broken relationship with another who is responsible for attempting to mend that brokenness? Jesus speaks to this very issue. In Matthew 6:23-24 (NIV) Jesus says:
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Then later in Matthew 18:15 (NIV) Jesus says:
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you , you have won your brother over."
Did you notice what Jesus said? If you realize that your brother has something against you (i.e., you sinned against your brother), then it is your responsibility to go and seek reconciliation with them. On the other hand, if you realize that your brother sinned against you, once again, it is your responsibility to go and seek reconciliation with them.
So then, according to Jesus it is the responsibility of every Christ follower to seek reconciliation whether it is our fault or the fault of another. This means there are no excuses. Sometimes we say things like, "It's their fault so they need to come to me. Until then I'm not talking to them." According to Jesus we are still responsible. This may be hard but as ministers who have received reconciliation through Christ we are called to carry out the ministry of reconciliation in this world (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
The point here: We are ALL responsible for seeking reconciliation whether it is our fault or not. To neglect this and make excuses is to mock the reconciling work of Christ on our behalf.
