Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV

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 friendliness and goodwill in a relationship that has somehow broken down. Beyond a neutral acceptance of the other person, being reconciled assumes positive regard for someone who was previously seen as an enemy. Furthermore, it demonstrates a willingness to invest in a hopeful future for the relationship.

God so loved the world that he sent his Son to accomplish and perfect our reconciliation with Him. By sending Jesus to walk among us and die a sacrificial death, God not only demonstrated his forgiveness but also his deep desire to reengage our hearts to seek and be satisfied in Him. God the Son willingly gave his life so that we might enjoy free and friendly relations with the Father and share in the good kingdom God is pleased to provide for our inheritance.

As children of the kingdom, we also inherit a ministry of reconciliation. God charges us with the responsibility of peacemaking in a world torn apart by selfish agendas, greed, dishonesty, and lust for power. Jesus tells us to make a start by attending to our personal relationships first: Go, he says, and be reconciled with a brother or sister who has something against you. The apostle Paul further tells us not to indulge in our anger so long that we resist giving it up and thus let the devil gain a foothold in our hearts.

As important as forgiveness is, it is only one step in the peacemaking effort God requires of us. Deciding to let go of our grievances opens a door, but then God charges us to step through the door and seek restoration of the relationship. Even if the other person refuses to cooperate, we can, with God’s help, mend the brokenness from our side of the conflict, asking for forgiveness if appropriate and expressing our goodwill regardless of the other person’s response. In the most difficult cases, such as unrepentant abusers or unhealed wounds from the past, we can depend on the Spirit to soften our hearts enough so that we can earnestly pray for the other person’s redemption, rather than for the retaliatory punishment our wounded hearts might demand.

Pray

Heavenly 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. Give me grace to earnestly desire your best for those with whom I still remain in discord.

Reflect

Proverbs 18:19; Matthew 5:9, 23-24; Ephesians 4:26-27

Ponder

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