Reconciliation

June 26, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

 

Something To Think About:

 

~Is there someone in your life from whom you are estranged?

~What’s the hardest part of healing a broken relationship?

~Are there some relationships that can never be restored?

 
     Consuming the news buzz of late is the impending divorce of Jon and Kate Gosselin from the TLC reality show, “Jon & Kate plus 8”. After ten years of marriage, one set of twin girls, and a set of sextuplets, Jon and Kate have decided to separate. Ok, so Kate’s too controlling and Jon’s much too passive, but come on – eight children’s lives are forever at stake here! Has the pursuit of fame and money blinded these parents to God’s manner of reconciliation?
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     “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” John 20:23. In and of yourself, you do not have the power to forgive anyone’s sins - for no human can such – only God can forgive and offer Salvation and eternal life. Jesus teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us” Matthew 6:12. He gives you a strict warning if you refuse to forgive others; He will also refuse to forgive you!
 
     Just as God sent His Son, Jesus into the world to reconcile you to Him: “And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross”, Colossians 1:20, He gives you the command to be a peacemaker, to be reconciled even to your enemies: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:44.
 
     But my husband left me. My friend betrayed me. My wife cheated. My boss lied. My coworkers take credit for my work. My parents don’t respect me. Obviously, one person cannot control or force the process of reconciliation. That’s why you are told to keep peace “as much as depends on you” Romans 12:18.
 
     Perhaps you feel the call to reconciliation is too hard, too painful or just plain unrealistic. If so, you need to keep in mind:
 

• Reconciliation is God’s idea and His way of doing things – “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8
• Reconciliation is tied to our worship of God – He wants us to come before Him with right relationships – “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23 You are a hypocrite if you claim to have a right relationship with God while you have a broken relationship with others. Your relationship with others reflects your relationship with God.
• As we forgive others, we are forgiven by God – “Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

 
However – a few notes of caution on this topic include:
 

• Reconciliation does not always happen at once, but can take place over years, so don’t get discouraged or give up because of a lack of results – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
• Reconciliation does not mean we submit ourselves to abuse, cruelty or the lack of response of others. Even Jesus told His disciples to avoid certain people – “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” Matthew 10:14
• Reconciliation cannot always be made complete due to past sins. Someone who has left a spouse and family may seek forgiveness, but not necessarily be able to reenter the lives of those whom they left in the same way.

 

God will…

 

Heal and restore – “He will give: Beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3

 

Bless peacemakers – “Happy are those who strive for peace - they shall be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

 

Bring justice and preserve the broken – “He will encourage the fainthearted, those tempted to despair. He will see full justice given to all who have been wronged.” Isaiah 42:3

 

     Is there someone with whom you are separated due to a grievance? What is one small step you can take today to bridge the gap today?
 
     With God’s grace, even the most damaged relationships can be restored.

 
     Thank You, O God that when I was far away from You and lost, You ventured to seek me out. Even when I’ve not been quick to forgive others, You’ve gently reminded me Lord, that I cannot be forgiven until I do - and oh how I need Your forgiveness every day. Grant me the courage to be a peacemaker in my world for You today, and love others in the same way You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.