The power of reconciliation has saved relationships from further conflict or nations waging war. The word “reconcile” means literally “bring into a changed relationship.” It means to bring together two parties who should have been together all along. [1]
There is no greater reconciliation in the history of the world than when Jesus died for our sins. His payment on the cross reconciled our debt with our Heavenly Father. Paul writes about Jesus’ reconciliation. Colossians 1:19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him, God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. [2]
Think briefly about how you have been affected by Jesus’ reconciliation. Because of what Jesus did, you can be called to faith and forgiven and have eternal life.
We can be Reconciled with Others
Because Jesus paid the price for our sins and offered us forgiveness, there is no one we can’t forgive. We are the most significant benefactor when we forgive others because it heals our hearts. Colossians 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.[3]
Quarreling or Reconciliation
If we had a choice between quarreling or reconciliation, the Lord would guide us to reconcile our differences. Joseph’s brothers departed from Egypt with food and supplies for their families, and Joseph gave them sound guidance. Genesis 45:24 So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!”[4] The Bible does not tell us if they followed Joseph’s advice, but their trip would have been much smoother and more enjoyable if they did.
It is so easy to allow physical and verbal wounds to fester. Over the years, emotions can make our hearts bitter if we don’t forgive. The Lord wants us to repair our relationships with each other. Before we bring our tithes to the Lord, Jesus tells us we should be reconciled with our brother or sister in Christ. Ask the Lord if there is a relationship that you need to mend. Jesus forgives and calls us to do the same in Matthew 6:12. May the Lord help you forgive and reconcile relationships.
To learn more about the power of reconciliation, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/joseph-reveals-his-identity
[1] https://billygraham.org/devotion/reconciliation/
[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.