Although it can be forgotten, a gift is a symbol—ideally, a symbol of love, appreciation, or gratitude from the one giving the gift to the one receiving it. Thus, a true gift can never be in payment of a debt, or serve as a bribe, or function as a subtle form of emotional manipulation. The same is true with God: Gifts offered to God (or to the Church) can never substitute for conversion of heart and never serve to absolve personal sin—something some notorious criminals forget which they donate ill-gotten wealth to the Church! God, as we know, has no need or desire for any gift we might offer, except the gift of ourselves. Giving ourselves to God will remain incomplete as long as we are at enmity with another person. And this is because a part of our heart is imprisoned by the enmity and thus is unavailable and cannot be offered to God. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift—that is, the Gift of yourself.