Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3,11-32
Introduction
Precious one, we have discussed "Conversion" in our previous message and learned of repentance from sin and turning to Christ. We would continue the discussion by looking at "Reconciliation." After conversion, we are reconciled with God. Throughout scripture, we see the heartbeat of God’s love expressed through reconciliation – restoring our broken relationships with each other and with Him. Today, we are exploring how reconciliation is not just a theological or historical concept but a practical ongoing call to embody God’s grace in our daily lives.
The Joy of Reconciliation
David in Psalm 32, invites us into a place of deep introspection. He speaks about the joy that comes from conversion: confession and forgiveness. He says, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered... whose sin the Lord does not count against them.” This highlights a critical aspect of reconciliation – acknowledging our faults and staying away from them.
In the parable of lost son, the boy acknowledged his fault and said to himself, "I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." (Luke 15:18) In our human experience, we often carry burdens of guilt and shame, the weight of unresolved conflicts. God wants us to come to Him and confess and not be silent; "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away" (Psalms 32:3). God assures us that through conversion, He is in Christ reconciling us to Himself to give us relief and joy. David says, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD. And you forgave the guilt of my sin." (Psalms 32:5).
Beloved, as we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, He also makes us agents of reconciliation (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18). In our daily lives, this is a call to practice humility to reflect our actions and inactions towards one another as well. When we wrong others, there is the need to own our mistakes and not cast blame. My dear, take a moment to consider:
'Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing?'
Perhaps a friend or a family member you’ve had a dispute with. Let’s not shy away from initiating that conversation, seeking forgiveness, and moving towards reconciliation. Imagine how liberating it would be to free ourselves from the shackles of unresolved conflict, just as David felt in Psalm 32.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul reminds us of our new identity in Christ. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. This means we are not only recipients of God’s grace but also conduits of it to others. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” The ministry of reconciliation encompasses forgiveness, compassion, and love.
In practical terms, this means actively seeking to mend relationships in our lives, recognizing that, as God reconciled us to Himself, we are to extend that same grace to those around us. It can manifest in everyday situations – offering a kind word to a neighbour, reaching out to someone you've lost touch with on a wrong foot, or standing up for justice in a situation of conflict.
This is another call to consider carefully the comments and reports we give about others and on issues. The servant who met the older brother in the parable nearly marred the beautiful relationship between a son and a father. Answering that, "Your brother has come" is enough, but adding, "‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’" (Luke 15:27) was the very pillar for the older brother's anger. The older brother had this to say, "‘Look! ... you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But ... you kill the fattened calf for him!’" (Luke 15:29-30). We destroy relationships with some of these comments and information we share knowingly or not.
When the apostle Paul counselled, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:6), this is what he meant. As children of God, ministers of reconciliation, we must be mindful of our social media postings and comments, for the information we put out there is making and unmaking relationships one way or the other.
Reconciliation is a strong tool but is often uncomfortable to uphold in our generation, but it is rooted in love and the desire to foster unity. It may also require deep conversations about our differences, seeking understanding rather than division.
The Open Arms of God
In the parable of the lost son, we witness one of the most powerful depictions of reconciliation. The younger brother's journey away from home, fueled by self-seeking desires, ultimately leads him to emptiness. It is in his brokenness that he recognizes and decides to return to his father, who embraces him with open arms.
This parable demonstrates that reconciliation is not merely about admitting our wrongs; it also highlights the extravagant love and grace of the father. God’s arms are always open to us, ready to receive us no matter how far we have strayed. We are expected to embody that same spirit of unconditional love as agents of reconciliation.
When we face relationships that seem irreparably broken, we can choose to reflect God’s character by being patient and compassionate. The father didn’t rush to chastise the son; instead, he celebrated his return. Let us exchange judgment for joy and forgiveness for condemnation.
Conclusion
Child of God, reconciliation is a journey we all must take. It requires vulnerability in the eyes of others, humility, and a willingness to step into the discomfort of mending relationships. Today, let us commit to being people of reconciliation in our homes, workplaces, and communities by being mindful of our comments and the information we share. Think of someone you can reach out to this week, someone with whom God desires that you heal a relationship.
As we embrace the joy of forgiveness, engage in the ministry of reconciliation, and reflect the love of the Father through Jesus Christ, may we transform not only our lives but also the world around us. Let us pray for the strength to embody this call to reconciliation every day, trusting that God will do mighty works through our willingness to love. Amen!
Shalom aleikhem...
