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The Heart of Reconciliation (Series Wrap-up)
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Picture an older couple, settled on their couch, each absorbed in their reading. One half of the duo breaks the silence, "You never tell me you love me." To which the other replies, "I told you once; if anything changes, I'll let you know." LOL! This playful exchange, though humorous, underscores a deeper truth: some things, especially love and forgiveness, bear repeating.
Forgiveness and reconciliation, as fundamental as love, are often at odds with our human nature and the culture around us. These aren't just nice ideas or virtues we can put on a shelf; they are obligations, primary goals for those who walk in the way of Christ. We need constant reminders, training even, to live out this counterintuitive reality.
Consider the parable Jesus told about the ungrateful steward. Imagine a servant owing what would be around $100 million in today's terms. His master, in an act of staggering mercy, cancels the debt. Yet, this same servant, upon encountering a fellow servant who owes him a mere $25,000, refuses to extend the same grace. He demands payment, even to the point of having the debtor imprisoned. When this reaches the master, the forgiven servant's debt is reinstated, and he faces severe consequences.
This story isn't just about money; it's a mirror to our souls. The amount we are asked to forgive might seem significant, but compared to what we've been forgiven by God, it pales. Jesus uses this narrative to drive home a point: if we truly believe that Christ died to forgive our sins, how can we not forgive others? If Christ reconciled us to God while we were still sinners, shouldn't we strive to do the same with those who have wronged us?
Here's why attempting reconciliation is worth it:
It Frees Us from the Bondage of Conflict. Holding onto anger, resentment, or bitterness is like carrying a heavy burden that only grows with time. When we seek peace, even if the outcome isn't what we hoped, we gain peace of mind. The Scriptures urge us, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Reconciliation Reflects God's Heart. God initiated reconciliation with us, not waiting for us to be worthy. When we forgive, we echo God's grace. We're not just participants in this act; we're ministers of reconciliation, showing the world what God's love looks like in real-life relationships.
Because Jesus Commands It. Christ's teachings are clear: unresolved conflict can even block our worship. He instructs us to go and be reconciled before offering our gifts at the altar, emphasizing that our relationships with others are intertwined with our relationship with God.
It Heals and Strengthens Relationships. Unforgiveness is like a cancer in relationships, leading to division and mistrust. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is healing. It's the act of bearing with one another, mirroring the forgiveness we've received from Christ, which strengthens bonds.
It Protects the Churchβs Witness. Our love and unity as believers are our most potent testimonies. A church that lives in reconciliation demonstrates Christ's love in a tangible way. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Yet, reconciliation isn't always straightforward. Sometimes, our emotions rush in, clouding judgment with pride or a sense of injustice. We must pause, reflect on our faith, and ask ourselves: What do I truly believe? Is my worldview shaped by Christ's teachings or by my wounded ego?
Conversely, some might retreat into the intellect, avoiding the messy emotions of conflict. But emotions, while not to rule us, are vital for genuine human connection. They are the bridge to empathy and creative problem-solving in reconciliation.
Remember, reconciliation requires both parties, but your readiness to forgive should be evident. Live in such a way that others know you seek healing over revenge. Your life should whisper, "I want to get back with, not get back at."
In this journey, trust the Holy Spirit at work. You won't see Jesus move until you trust Him enough to follow His lead, often against your instincts. Trusting Jesus to guide us into peacemaking will reveal His work in ways we never anticipated.
Paul challenges us in Corinthians to consider if it's better to be wronged than to engage in endless conflict. This isn't about weakness; it's about strength through Christ. It's about living out our faith in the nitty-gritty of life, where love and forgiveness are not just spoken but lived. It's about how the witness of mercy is more important than the power of temporal victory.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, commit to live as a peacemaker as a daily practice, reflecting God's heart and brining His healing ot the world through Jesus who paid our debt with his very life.