“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:18
Ouch. What a week to be studying 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. (Do you ever wonder how God pinpoints our tender spots with each study?)
God knows I needed this one. I’ve recently signed off a chapter of my life. But remaining behind are many mixed emotions. Including some leftover resentment.
The more I think about it, the more I think I’m due payment on some outstanding debts. I deserve some apologies. Definitely more respect. And quite a few opportunities, not just for me but for many.
Oh, it sounds so ugly, yes? Yes. And rightly so. Can you imagine Christ saying those things? Nope, me neither.
On the contrary, not only did He not call in the debts owed Him (and we know He could have!), He paid off everybody else’s. Including mine.
And including the few I think are owed me. They’re no longer mine to cash in. When I became a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), I handed them over—the few dollars’ debt owed me in exchange for the release of trillions I owed Him. And I paid no broker’s fee.
That means I’m free to travel light. I can liquidate my inventory. No resentment to hold on to. No bitterness to fester. No grudges to grow interest.
And I’m to spread that message to others.
God invites my participation in publicizing this debt-elimination plan (2 Corinthians 5:19). To let others know they, too, can live debt-free. They, too, can trade in balancing the books each month for a journey of grace and peace instead.
It’s the great exchange.
So what will I do with the supposed debts owed me? With grace from God, I’ll rip them up, then fall on my knees in praise to Him for doing the same with mine.
Easy? No. But possible? Yes. Not because I have great character or willpower, but because the love of Christ is to control me (2 Corinthians 5:14). The more amazed I am at His grace given me, the more grace I can show others.
That’s an investment I can’t resist. And the dividends will grow into eternity.
Is there a debt someone owes you? What are you waiting for before you forgive it?
Is there a verse in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 that hits a tender spot with you?
Lisa, this one hits me too. I’m dealing with a situation that is threatening to plant resentment in my heart, and I know I’m battling it. I’ve been feeling like I’m losing, but this was such a timely reminder of the ministry I’ve been given and the power I’ve been given to be victorious. Thanks, teammate, I needed that.
I have to remind myself often of “the power I’ve been given to be victorious.” Nicely worded, Julie. We serve a God who gives us exactly what we need to do His will. He’s incredible. I just need to trust Him more.
Praying for both of us to be givers of the grace we’re receiving…
those words…”GAVE us the MINISTRY of reconciliation. (minister – to serve – to attend to the needs of others) so…I am to be about the work of making sure relationships are “tended”…kept healthy…if necessary, reconciled…even as Christ so omnipotently did…on a cross …on a hill. This was given to us. wow. that verse, those words right there…are a month and a day of pondering. BIG job…but as you said…Possible? with Christ, ALL things are possible. HUGS – big ones..to you Lisa. xoxoxo
The ministry of reconciliation can seem overwhelming to me at times. Such a huge thing–he knows we’ll need HIM to accomplish it. Just another area to help us understand how dependent we are on his power in us. That’s always good.
You’re a blessing, Julie. I’ve got a feeling you’re great at tending relationships! Love you.
I never thought of resentment in terms of debt owed, but I see that now. I’m so glad Christ paid my debt in full: How silly to hold on to the miniscule (by comparison) debts of others to me.
Andy Stanley’s book “Enemies of the Heart” was an eye-opener for me in seeing the “debt to debtor dynamic” in these four areas:
Guilt
Anger
Greed
Jealousy
He frames those through our perceptions that we owe somebody or somebody owes us, which creates tension.
“There are only two ways to resolve this kind of tension: Either somebody has to pay up, or somebody has to cancel the debt. As long as the debt is unpaid or unforgiven, the debt governs the relationship.”
He brings lots of scriptures to bear on each of these areas, and helped me see where I wrongly put God in the wrong places in that dynamic. I reviewed it here on my blog last fall:
http://lisanotes.blogspot.com/2011/11/enemies-of-heart.html
It’s a difficult thing to grasp the wisdom from God that releases our determination of judgement, swift, harsh judgement, for the sweet forgiveness granted us by Him. The weak flesh is thinking too much of itself sometimes…
Great words to make your point about those that He wouldn’t use.
I’m letting it sink in…. Thanks.
Yes, Floyd, it is hard to grasp that God wants us to hand over our feelings of revenge, especially when our sense of justice is crying out to make things right. And now. In those times I have to remember that he is the only one who can truly make things right anyway, not me.
I still have plenty of room for growth here. It’s a toughie…unless I’m on the receiving end of forgiveness. Then bring it on, Lord. So thankful he’s more gracious than I am.
Lisa, thank you for this. There was something that I thought that I’d gotten over and forgiven…until I was met with reminders of what happened.
Thank you for sharing the tools of God’s Word, which I always know is my help in time of trouble, to remind me and better equip me.
I know what you mean, Kela. Sometimes I think I’m over something, then something triggers it and I find myself needing to forgive again. I wonder if forgiveness is rarely accomplished in full on our first try? At least for a serious issue…
And I agree with you: having scripture at the ready is so beneficial and equipping. I’m thankful for sisters in Christ who feel the same! So glad you stopped by.