~Reconciliation~

With God's Grace even the most damaged relationships can be restored.

In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Jesus tells His disciples: "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you don't forgive them, they are not forgiven" (John 20:23). In the Lord's Prayer, He teaches us: "Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us" (Matthew 6:12).

One of the most important "soul matters" in God's eyes is reconciliation. Just as He sent His son Jesus into the world to reconcile people to Him (Colossians 1:20-22), so He gives us the mandate to be peacemakers, to be reconciled even to our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

It is obvious that one person cannot control or force the process of reconciliation. That's why we are told to keep peace "as much as depends on you" (Romans 12:18 NKJV). Before ignoring the call to reconciliation as too hard, too painful, and very unrealistic, we need to remember --

*Reconciliation is God's idea and His way of doing things (Romans 5:8-10).

*Reconciliation is tied to our worship of God -- He wants us to come before Him with right relationships (Matthew 5:23).

*As we forgive others, we are forgiven by God. (Luke 6:37).

*One of the blessings of walking with God is peace (Galatians 5:22).

There are some notes of caution --

*Reconciliation does not always happen all at once, but can take place over years, so don't get discouraged or give up by lack of results (Galatians 6:9).

*Reconciliation does not mean we submit ourselves to abuse and the cruelty and lack of response of others. Even Jesus told His disciples to avoid this. (Matthew 10:14).

Additional verses on reconciliation:

Heal and restore ~ Isaiah 61:3

Turn enemies into friends ~ Isaiah 11:6

Bless peacemakers ~ Matthew 5:9

Redeem your tears ~ Psalm 126:5

Remove your sorrows ~ Zephaniah 3:18

He does everything just right and on time ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11