Reconciliation often means different things to different people. It has to do with settling issues; with God and others. Paul discussed the issue in referring to it as the “ministry of reconciliation.”
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 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. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
Believers in Messiah Jesus enter a new relationship with God, and all things pertaining to our life become new in union with God. We therefore, are given the opportunity to engage with God through a process whereby the Holy Spirit progressively transforms our nature and character to be like God’s; or Christ-like. A good part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is the ministry of reconciliation. (See 2 Corinthians 3:8)
RELEVANCE
Reconciliation in any sense is the settling of issues and re-establishing of relationships. It’s about settling and resolving issues, coming into unity with God and others. Years ago the Holy Spirit persisted in convicting me to “settle the issue.” In seeking the Lord, I learned that with God, it is a continuous process of engagement, as we reconcile issues with Him, bringing our relationship with Him into a greater harmony; a real union—from His perspective. He has many things He wants to teach us and reveal to us as He brings us into the fullness of who He created us to be.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What issues has God been raising with you?
What topics does it seem He is looking for you to delve into?
Are there things He wants to remove from your life?
Are there things He wants to build and cultivate in your life?
Has He been impressing you about areas of service; things to learn or do?
REFERENCES
2 Corinthians 3:1-18; 2 Peter 1:5-9; Philippians 3:14-16