God has assigned his church to be agents of reconciliation. “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (II Corinthians 5:18-20). Note, from God’s side, He is reconciled to mankind. His heart is one of forgiveness, as He has provided in Christ all that is required for anyone to be saved. The death of Jesus atones for all sin. Yet, the benefits of that demand sinners be reconciled to God. What is provided in Christ can only be possessed through Christ. This demands repentance for there to be a restored relationship with the sinner and His Creator. It is vital for the church to proclaim the message, but also to present the model.
I have been tasked at times in ministry with counseling someone whose marriage is falling apart. So long as one partner is willing to forgive, there is hope for the relationship to be restored. Yet, if that hope is to be realized, the other partner must be willing, as well. Repentance brings restoration. This is true in every broken relationship.
Through the grace of God, an attitude of forgiveness is to be extended to all who sin against us. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25). Those who get grace are to give grace.
The attitude of forgiveness should lead to the act of forgiveness. “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3). A confrontation about the sin, ought to yield contrition for the sin—rebuke, repentance, and restoration of the relationship. It takes two for the relationship to be restored in the end, but it begins with one.
Is there someone you need to reach out to today?
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