A Ministry of Reconciliation
Thriving in the Morning | Tuesday
Take a moment to listen to this beautiful melody. Let it draw your heart to reflect on God’s power to restore and reconcile.
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
— 2 Corinthians 5:18
The world abounds with people whose sin has alienated them from God. Christ's sacrificial work has restored Christians to a love relationship with the heavenly Father. As Christians, we are appointed as ministers of reconciliation. Once Christ dwells within us, we become His ambassadors, and we entreat others to be reconciled to Him (2 Cor. 5:20). We are God's messengers of peace, urging others to return to God (Matt. 5:9).
Sin breaks our relationship with God; it severs relationships with others as well. Broken relationships are the epidemic of our day. Sin alienates family members, separates friends, divides churches, and destroys marriages. Sin creates mistrust, jealousy, hatred, and greed, all of which devastate relationships. Only Christ has the remedy for the disastrous effect of sin on human relationships. As His ambassadors, we are to take the message of reconciliation to a broken, divided world. We urge reconciliation first with God, and then with each other.
How tragic when God's messengers of peace harbor enmity toward each other. It is a travesty to carry a message of love and yet be filled with hatred. If there is someone whom you refuse to forgive, your message of reconciliation is hypocrisy. The evidence that you are a disciple of Jesus is that you love your fellow Christian (John 13:35). In each of your relationships, make certain that your actions share the love and forgiveness that reflect what you received from God. Then you will not only speak the message of reconciliation, but you will live it as well.
From Experiencing God Daily Devotionals (c) 1998 by Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby
Meditate the Word.
Take a moment to pause and reflect deeply on these questions. Write your thoughts in a journal or share them in prayer with God.
🌱 Is there a relationship in my life where I have avoided reconciliation? What might God be asking me to do today to bring healing?
🌱 How well do I reflect Christ’s forgiveness in my own life? Are there areas where pride or hurt has kept me from extending the grace I have received?
🌱 Am I living as an ambassador of reconciliation, pointing others to Christ’s peace? If not, what practical changes can I make to better represent His love?
Close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any name or situation that needs reconciliation in your life. Let Him guide you in taking the first step.
Reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel. God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and now He calls us to live out that same reconciliation in our relationships with others. Remember, reconciliation doesn’t always mean things will return to how they were, but it does mean reflecting Christ’s forgiveness and love in our actions. As you go about your day, carry His peace and be an instrument of His healing.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We acknowledge our own need for grace and forgiveness. Help us to be faithful ambassadors of Your reconciliation, bringing peace and restoration to broken relationships. Grant us the courage to forgive, the humility to seek forgiveness, and the wisdom to reflect Your love in all that we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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