Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

something He doesn’t want and will not receive. During the past years of ministry I have heard many messages and mini-sermons on giving and receiving. Yet the one passage that is seldom taught is a warning Christ gave to those who would attempt to leave their gifts at the altar while they still had unforgiveness in their hearts:

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. —M ATTHEW 5:23–24

This scripture is clear. We must give our offerings with a clear conscience and a pure heart, or we will not experience the blessings that follow obedience. This may be one reason why some long-standing church members have given tithes and offerings for many years and have never experienced a major financial harvest. They have given a blemished offering , just as some did in the Old Testament. The people were to bring the best lambs as a burnt offering at the temple. All sacrifices were to be without blemish (Exod. 12:5; Lev. 1:3; 4:28). Blemished sacrifices were blemished offerings, and they hindered the blessing of God from flowing down from heaven to the people.