It’s November 24, 2023, the day after Thanksgiving. Let’s be thankful for reconciliation this season and make it one of our holiday goals. Reconciliation can be defined as “settlement, ceasefire, or biblical resolution,” … something that results in agreement and peace. Just this week, another church in town shut down permanently due to “irreconcilable differences” within the congregation and leadership. We can learn a great deal from these. Read on…
Today's Reading:
Matthew 17,18,19
Scripture
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Matthew 18:15-16)
Observation
The goal is to do our level best to repair broken relationships—both vertically and horizontally.
- Why is reconciliation so critical? Because it is the very essence of the Kingdom of God; everything of God is about "reconciliation." One of the greatest rewards and tests is reconciling fallen relationships inside the family of God.
- "But what if the other person is wrong?" We must remember that God's reconciliation toward us wasn't dependent on how right one side was. If it all simply depended on who was right and who was wrong, then we would ALL be on our way to a fiery furnace. We are all sinners. We were all very wrong, but yet God chose to reconcile us to Himself, regardless.
THE LESSON? Even if another is at fault, we must do our best to do the same as Jesus did with us. Reconciliation isn't a judgment call; it is a Kingdom call.
Application
Unresolved splits are never healthy, and divisions can manifest as a form of spiritual warfare. We must remember who the real enemy is: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world..." (Eph. 6:12). For the sake of our community and the future of the Church, we must ensure that we remain unified with one common goal and purpose: "to win the lost."
In the end, it won’t matter "who was more right" versus "who was most wrong." What matters most to God is whether or not we were able to reconcile and leave the final judgment call to the only One who is certified to judge. And, no, it doesn’t mean we endorse sin. It simply means we endorse unity.
Prayer
Father, I’m so grateful for Your redemption that restored our relationship with You. Thank You for Your forgiveness. May we be a people of reconciliation and follow closely after You!