“All of this is from God who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world t Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed us to the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV)
I’m preaching on forgiveness in big church today and this scripture might just be the cherry on top. We have received reconciliation with God through Christ. Before we rush past, let the glorious truth sink in.
reconciliation: the restoration of friendly relationship.
The sacrifice, forgiveness and friendship of Jesus extended restores our relationship with the Almighty! We have been made right with God’s household. And in that rightness, He invites us to participate in the family values: the reconciliation of sinners.
It occurs to me this morning, forgiveness is always the first step in reconciliation. Someone has to be the bigger (but maybe meeker?) person in the relationship. Thankfully for us, God has already extended grace toward us. And our only right response after receiving said grace is extending it toward others. Our mercy piece is vital because forgiveness gets people’s attention. It opens their eyes to the reality of the Kingdom.
We see this clearly on the cross. The crowd was watching: sneering, mocking, hurling insults. Our dear Jesus – dying – somehow still possessed the strength and grace to forgive in real time.
“Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”” (Luke 23:34 NIV)
And it seems that very sentence snagged the soul of the criminal dying beside Him. Jesus’ authentic forgiveness convinced the true offender of His Lordship. Forgiveness extended made way for reconciliation with God.
I believe this principle to be true in our story as well: our forgiveness of those who trespass against us makes the love of God shine bright through ordinary lives. Hearts are changed – first ours and then perhaps others – and God gets the glory.
“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43 NIV)
Lord, we are so moved by Your real time forgiveness on the cross – what a tremendous goal for us to work toward! Today we realize our call to the ministry of reconciliation. Yes, this includes telling, but it also includes forgiving. Please equip us to be frequent and thorough acquitters. Help us with the hard stuff. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we might see the world as You do. Remind us, as often as necessary, of the great grace we’ve received, that we might forgive others the way You’ve forgiven us. Let our grace extended open the door for reconciliation with You. Thank You for entrusting us with this holy task. Empower us to walk it out well for Kingdom’s sake. Amen.