“Through
the Son, God also reconciled all things to himself, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, thereby making peace through the blood of his cross.” - Colossians 1:20
God not only tells us that
He loves us, but He also demonstrated this love when Jesus died for us while we
were still sinners. Jesus justified us with His blood and saved us from God’s
wrath, which He pours out on unrepentant mankind (John 3: 18). Once enemies of
God, drowning in a sewer of sin, we are now reconciled to God through Christ’s
death and saved through His life. Jesus reconciled us to God by taking the
punishment for our sins. The word “reconcile” means to restore a relationship.
The Bible delights us with
tender story after story of restoration. The prodigal son reconciles with his
father, the lost lamb returns to the flock, the lost coin is found once its
owner sweeps the whole house and a man sells all he has to buy a pearl of great
price. In the last days before Christ’s return, God will reconcile all things
to Himself. He will pour out His wrath on the unrepentant and He will exalt
Jesus and all of those who humbled themselves, repented of their sin and
reconciled with the Father through Jesus Christ.
Now that God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, He has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Our first step in delivering the message of reconciliation is to invite people to enter into a personal relationship to Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). God is calling us all home to Himself. He desires for us to live with Him throughout eternity. No sin is severe enough to prevent the possibility of a relationship with God. No amount of time rejecting Jesus can eliminate our chances of reconciling with the Father. We merely need to surrender our will to His and to admit that we are sinners that need saving by His grace.
The next step in
reconciliation is found in Matthew 18:15-17. This verse emphasizes how to restore our relationship with one another.
If someone hurts you, go and tell that person why their behavior affected you
negatively and express your desire for reconciliation. If this person listens,
then the relationship is restored.
At times, a difference of
opinion, or a differing viewpoint of the events that led up to this break in
the relationship may hinder reconciliation. Humbly seeking forgiveness for your
part in the dispute may bring restoration. If this person still refuses to
reconcile, however, then a counselor or non-biased party may be able to
arbitrate the issues and help you to iron them out.
But if the other person
ultimately refuses to reconcile with you, then you have done your best to
restore your friendship, and you can leave the person in God’s capable hands to
deal with as He sees fit.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there are so
many people all around us who do not enjoy the beauty for our fellowship with
You. Please break down their walls of resistance and help them to be willing to
hear the Good News of the Gospel. You died to set sinners free and to give us
all eternal life. Help us to live authentic Christian lives and to share Your
love with everyone You bring into our lives.
Thought for the Day:
A
commitment to reconciliation brings peace and joy to everyone involved.
