Reconciliation is the re-establishing of relationships; settling and resolving issues, coming into unity. The Lord’s first two major teachings related to two key subjects: attitudes and prayer. The Beatitudes related to areas of blessings. He shared that if you wanted to be blessed by God, you would consider several key things; one relating to relationships. In the “Lord’s Prayer” He revealed key topics of prayer; one also on relationships. Bottom line: our relationship with God and others are intertwined.
“Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!” (Matthew 5:9 AMPLIFIED).
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors…. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses” (Matthew 6:12-15 AMPLIFIED).
RELEVANCE
Every day we interact in all kinds of social settings. As we do God watches over our engagements and senses our heart. He looks to see if we operate in the fear of the Lord and with respect to others. He is the ultimate judge of how we conduct ourselves and how our words and actions affect others. Before we bring our offerings to Him and seek to come clean before Him, He would have us come clean before others.
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison” (Matthew 5:23-26).
REFLECT AND RELATE
In all relationships somebody has to be first to be a peacemaker.
Do you have any strained or fractured relationships?
Are there any gaps between you and others that need to be bridged?
REFERENCES
Amos 3:3