Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and studying God’s Word are essential for a believer’s maturity.

However, they were never meant to be used as a means of escape from our responsibilities toward others. We must be careful not to use prayer, for example, as an excuse to avoid difficult conversations, withhold forgiveness, or neglect the call to extend mercy and grace.

True spiritual maturity is demonstrated not just in our personal devotion to God but in how we love and serve those around us.

Faith in Action, Not Avoidance

The Bible makes it clear that our relationship with God is deeply connected to how we treat others. Jesus Himself warned against using acts of worship as a way to bypass reconciliation:

“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 gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV)

This passage shows that God values reconciliation so highly that He instructs us to stop even an act of worship if it means making things right with a brother or sister in Christ.

Prayer and worship are not meant to be shields from relational accountability but rather fuel for godly living—including extending forgiveness, mercy, and grace to others.

There are certain levels of breakthrough you won’t experience in God until you do this.

Even if the person is wrong. How does the word of God say to handle the situation?

The Danger of Superficial Spirituality

It can be tempting to retreat into spiritual disciplines when faced with conflict or difficult relationships. But Scripture warns against a faith that is only outwardly religious while neglecting the heart of God’s commands:

“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6, ESV)

God is not impressed by religious activities if our hearts remain hardened toward others. Prayer is powerful, but it is not a substitute for peacemaking. Studying Scripture is essential, but it is meaningless if we refuse to apply it by loving our neighbor.

Loving Others as Evidence of True Worship

The Apostle John emphasizes that our love for God is inseparable from our love for others:

“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV)

True worship is demonstrated in how we treat one another. We cannot claim to be spiritually mature while ignoring or mistreating those around us. God calls us to be doers of His Word, not just hearers (James 1:22).

A Call to Authentic Faith

Rather than using spiritual disciplines as an escape, we should allow them to shape us into people who reflect Christ’s character. Prayer should lead us toward action, not away from it. Studying the Bible should convict us to love more deeply, not just gain knowledge. True spirituality is marked by obedience to God’s commands—including the hard work of reconciliation and grace.

Let us not be people who hide behind spiritual practices while neglecting what God has truly called us to do. Instead, may we embrace both worship and obedience, prayer and reconciliation, study and love. Only then will we truly honor God in both word and deed.