Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness and reconciliation do not always go together. We are called to forgive those who sin against us, but reconciliation is not always possible. It takes one person to extend forgiveness, but it needs two people to agree before there can be reconciliation.

Forgiveness is something I do from my heart as I release someone from a debt they owe against me. It is a work of grace in my heart.

Romans 5:10 TPT “so if while we were still enemies, God fully reconciled us to Himself through the death of His Son, then something greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in His resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sins’s dominion.” Our Lord Jesus Christ died and rose again so that we might be reconciled back to the Father but not everyone chooses to receive the gift. Although God has forgiven all people, not everyone will own their sin and appropriate His forgiveness. It took One to bring forgiveness, but it takes two to achieve reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18 says “all this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

As ambassadors for Christ, we have the ministry of sharing the message that our Lord and Friend offers reconciliation; that peace and a restored relationship with Himself, if people will choose to accept. 1 John 1:9 “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

The Passion Translation says it like this “Since we are those who stand in holy awe of the Lord, we make it our passion to persuade others to turn to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:11

Shalom

Kath