Definition: Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:23. It’s a really important message about forgiveness and how we treat others. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if you offer something valuable (your gift, your kindness, your time) to God, and you remember that someone else might be feeling hurt or against you, then you should consider how to handle the situation with grace and understanding. Let’s break it down into parts: “Matthew 5:23” : This is the verse itself. It's from a section of Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel (the story of his life and ministry). “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar…” : "Bring your gift" means anything you offer – like helping someone, giving a kind word, or even just being present with them. It's about putting something precious into God’s hands. “To the altar” is a metaphor for a place of worship where offerings are made. “…and rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee.” : This is the crucial part. “Rememberest” means you’re thinking back on things. "Thy brother hath naught against thee" means "your brother doesn't have any problem with you." So, what does it mean practically? It’s a gentle reminder to: Be considerate of others: Think about how your actions might affect other people. Don’t let resentment grow: Holding onto anger or bitterness towards someone can be harmful to you and those around you. Seek reconciliation: If there's a problem, it’s better to try to resolve it peacefully and with understanding instead of letting it fester. It’s about forgiveness and love. Jesus is teaching that we should treat others with kindness and compassion, even when they don't deserve it. In essence, the verse encourages us to be loving and forgiving – both of others and of ourselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a real-life example of how this principle applies?