Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (New International Version)

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Consider

To be reconciled means to restore normal or friendly relations with someone who has been opposed to you. To reconcile means to no longer regard the other person as an enemy but as a friend or brother. To reconcile means to agree to move the relationship beyond the hurtful incident that stalled it and allow it to once again grow and flourish.

God sent his Son to reconcile us to Himself. By paying the debt of sin that puts up barriers between us and God, Christ reopened the possibility for us to enjoy free and friendly relations with our Father, who never stops loving and longing for us.

Our ministry of reconciliation calls attention to God’s desire to establish love and peace in a world torn apart by selfish agendas and downright wicked behaviors. Not only does God charge us with making disciples and helping people to reconcile with Him, but he also charges us to make peace with each other. Among Jesus’ teachings is a command to go and be reconciled with a brother who is removed from us by a barrier of hostility and sin.

Forgiving our adversary’s sins against us is only the first step toward reconciliation. Letting go of our grievances opens a door, but unless we step through it and ask for the other person’s forgiveness, the relationship cannot heal. God calls us to be peacemakers, and when we work to restore broken relationships and minister to wounded hearts, others can see our Father’s loving nature in us and be drawn to Him.

Reflect

Proverbs 18:19; Matthew 5:9, 23-24

Pray

FATHER, thank you for taking the first step and forgiving me so that I can be reconciled with you. Show me where in my life you are calling me to be a reconciler. Help me to recognize my part in a conflict and to find grace and courage to ask for forgiveness from the person I have offended.

Share

Which is most likely to keep you from seeking reconciliation: anger, pride, or fear?