The Beautiful Message of Reconciliation
By Kristi Woods
“[T]hat 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.” 2 Cor. 5:19
Although life proves hard and families sometimes fall apart, we serve a God who stands near. Our Father is a God of reconciliation.
Have you ever watched a movie in which a family is torn apart? Maybe the cause is war, a fight between siblings, or marital unfaithfulness. Whatever the situation, viewers often root for the unit, hoping to see the family reunited.
My husband and I watched a friend’s marriage disintegrate. This man was kind, served his family well, and was seemingly undeserving. Their downward spiral brought sadness to his home and ours.
Like a movie viewer, I rooted for a lasting reunion. Unfortunately, a divorce resulted.
Gossip, lies, murder, jealousy, sex outside of marriage, and other sins attempt to separate us from the Lord. Our Father, however, longs for us to be reunited with Him and has provided a way through Jesus Christ.
Reconciliation to God through Jesus means freedom from sin’s power. Even the “worst” wrongdoing in man’s eyes isn’t counted against us. When Jesus died on the cross, He died for all sin. This truth should fill us with incredible gratitude and a longing to be like our Savior. A heart touched by grace flows with grace—a grace that forgives, heals, and replaces barriers with bridges.
Those who have been reconciled, Scripture says, have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We’re to seek peace, to reach out, to draw others close, and when necessary, to build, repair, and pursue relational health. But here’s the cool part. When we actively seek reconciliation, we’re doing much more than resolving conflict and healing hurts. We’re revealing Jesus, the one who died to bring us reconciliation.
If you've been reconciled to Christ, how are you actively living out the mission He's assigned? Is there anyone you need to be reconciled with or who may need help reconciling to someone else?
Kristi Woods, a contributing writer to Wholly Loved Ministries’ devotional and a former pew sitter, longs to see women transform from Sunday pew sitters to Monday through Sunday worshipers. A writer and speaker, she blogs and offers faith-building tools for walking deeper with God at www.KristiWoods.net. She contributes regularly at iBelieve.com and Crosswalk.com and is published in various print and online publications. Kristi, her husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle, and have set roots in Oklahoma. Connect with Kristi at KristiWoods.net.
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Originally published Wednesday, 18 December 2019.
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