In the last two devotionals, I wrote about Jesus breaking down the wall of hostility. In this devotional, I’d like to share about Jesus taking us to a higher ground than just letting go of our hostility towards God and others.
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.? 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Through the work of Jesus on the cross, it is God’s heart that every person would have an opportunity to be reconciled to his or her God. Jesus through His blood bought us from the hands of the enemy and darkness, so we can now legally be adopted as children of God. We no longer have to remain orphans floating in a sea of indifference, but we’re called by God and for God to get to know Him and walk with Him. He reconciled us to himself and in turn, he has given us the amazing and life giving assignment of reconciliation!
In order for us to take on such a mantle and be ministers of reconciliation, we cannot partake from the well of offense or allow the yeast of pride to grow in our hearts. Just as a Nazirite (Judges 13:7) was to abstain from fermented drinks, in the same manner, we are to remain sanctified to God by not allowing ourselves to get hardened by wall of hostility between us and others. That makes us available for the holy work of reconciliation that God has given us. It allows us to be ready at any moment or time to reach people, love on them, and share Christ with them.
The ministry of reconciliation also extends to helping people get reconciled to each other. To operate as ministers of reconciliation between people, we have to lay aside our own preferences and issues to be able to bring people together. There are going to be times that we are tempted to be a talebearer because we want to protect a friend, but we have to refrain from reporting things that can cause division in relationships (See Proverbs 6:19b). Our job is to strengthen and restore relationships between others. Additionally, we can’t allow our own insecurities make us territorial by pushing others away from those we love. We should be happy and excited when we see people in good and healthy relationships with one other and do our part to help promote it in any circle.
The ministry of reconciliation is a tough job because much of the work is done behind the scenes helping individuals to see their part in the problem. Generally, people would like for you to sympathize with their pain and not have you point out any of their issues. As a result whomever you are talking to, may feel that you are taking the side of the other person. Unfortunately, neither party may necessarily appreciate your work. This can initiate rejection towards us. This is when we have to turn to the Lord and ask him, “Are you pleased with what I’ve done?” Many times, when people eventually reconcile, they would like to think that it was their idea not someone else’s help, so don’t expect a letter of appreciation or a pat on the back from anyone! As long as God is pleased, that’s all that should matter. Reconciling people can be a messy and hard task, but we can do our part by His grace.
How are you doing as a minister of reconciliation? Are there things that hinder you from being effective in reconciling others to God or to each other? Have you been discouraged in your past attempts in reconciling people to each other?
For comments, please email me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com