Reconciliation

When we experience a painful interaction with someone, it’s hard to forget. The next time we see them, we cringe and try not to make eye contact. We may even go out of our way to avoid them at all costs. Our association with them has been so tainted with pain that it’s difficult to face them and possibly experience that all over again.

But what if they’ve changed? What if they are so full of remorse that they don’t know how to approach us? What if we’ve caused the pain and they’re fearful of us? If we examine the interaction and what actually played out, we will know what really transpired, what motives may have been a factor, and what was the result.

Reconciliation is vitally important for the preservation of the relationship. If we do it immediately after the fact, then we can lessen the damage. But if we wait years until someone makes a move toward forgiveness, then each passing year will magnify the division and make it much more difficult to reconcile.

Pride plays a big factor in resolution. We all want to win the argument, be right in our judgment, and be the innocent party. We’re quick to point fingers and blame others for wrongdoing. Even if we are at fault and we are the one to blame, we struggle with admitting it, owning up to it, and asking for forgiveness.

But if we humble ourselves before God and others, we open the doors to reconciliation. We allow the light of Jesus to shine through a dark situation and provide healing to the wounded souls. We usher in the unconditional love of God in a frayed relationship and let peace wash over everyone to calm the storm.

Even if we’re not wrong, we need to reach out with God’s amazing grace. We need to forgive, encourage repentance, offer help, and embrace them with the love of God. For by doing so, we’ll experience a breakthrough that will not only save the relationship, but perhaps change a life for all eternity.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

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