Hurt happens
If you haven’t already experienced this today, it’s coming soon…
Somebody says something that grieves somebody else. Maybe intentionally, maybe not. Maybe it was by you, maybe it was to you. Either way, feelings are hurt or anger is stirred or withdrawal has happened.
What now? God wants you to make the first move toward healing, regardless of who made the first cut. As you tell your kids, “Kiss and make up.” Or in grown-up lingo, be a “minister of reconciliation.”
Whatever you call it, it’s your calling.
God went first
God actually started it. He made the first move first.
Before we ever dreamed of being at peace with Him, He paved the path for it (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:12-13). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, He reconciled us to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).
What does “reconciled” actually mean? It’s derived from the Greek word katallasso, which comes from allasso, meaning to make different; to change; to exchange one thing for another. So when God reconciled with you, He made your relationship with Him different; it was changed. Enmity was exchanged for friendship. Death for life (Romans 11:15).
Your turn
But don’t stop between God and you. Once you’re reconciled to Him, He wants you to keep it going. Your ministry of reconciliation means you help others connect to God, and help others connect to each other (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Don’t take this ministry lightly. Even if you don’t want to do it. Even if you’re the innocent one. Even if the one who hurt you doesn’t even care. Follow God’s example to step in first. Give grace as you’ve been given.
As far as it depends on you, seek to make peace with others (Romans 12:18), in situations when you’re the perpetrator and also when you’re the victim. Settle matters quickly with the one who hurt you (Matthew 5:23-24).
But not just so you will feel better (although you usually will). There’s an even larger reason: so the other person can be reconciled to God. Is there any greater act of love than connecting someone back to God (Galatians 6:1)?
Minister today
So about that disagreement you’ve been in or seen today—will you be the first to intercede for restoration? Through you, God is calling others. Make his appeal for peace. You are an ambassador, you know. A minister of reconciliation. Glorify the Father by making a difference!
We’re talking about theology terms this month. What does “reconciliation” mean to you? Need to reconcile with anyone? Practiced the ministry of reconciliation already this week? How do you know when to give up?