21  "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago,  Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'

22   But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23   "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24   leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25   "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

26   I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

How important is it for you to be at peace with other people?  It's crucial!  In fact Jesus said that if your at odds with someone, it's your responsibility to go to them right away and do all that you can to make peace.  That means approaching people in your family, at work and at church, regardless of their ethnic, socioeconomic or educational background.

How important is it for you to become a peace maker?  In verses 24 and 25 Jesus urges you to pursue peace before you approach God for worship, whether that's in church or in your personal prayer time.  Why?  Because a broken human relationship is a roadblock that stands between you and a proper relationship with God.

Is there someone you need to talk to today?  Do you need to extend a hand of forgiveness?  If so, pick up your phone right now and make that call.  Reconciliation is one of the key principles of Scripture; a man can't be in a growing relationship with God unless he is actively forgiving his brothers and sisters. (see 1 John 2:9-11).