Perspective: WK6 - FRI
Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:19-21
For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Romans 5:8
… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I have spent years listening to people share their hurts, failures, pain, and shame, including stories of betrayal and abuse, and of broken relationships and separation. In the rarest cases, forgiveness is sought, grace is extended, and relationships are restored. Repair and healing in this broken world are hard work that most refuse to undertake.
What happens to Joseph, regardless of his own fault, predicts a life of bitterness, loneliness, and despair. That is, if he is left to sort things out on his own. The presence of God introduces an alchemy capable of shifting perspective, nurturing love in a desert of hate, and, frankly, making reconciliation the most unsurprising outcome.
You see, if “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and we are talking about the kind of love that sacrifices self, doesn’t keep score of wrongs, and offers reconnection to the broken, then He is the most powerful force in the universe. This power is innate, instinctual, and the core of who Jesus is.
“The Christ” means “the anointed one.” But anointed for what? Jesus was set apart to bring us home, no matter the cost. He accepted the mission to cross the divide, close the gap, heal our brokenness, and reconcile us to our Creator. At the core of this kind of healing is immense grace and forgiveness – “no longer counting people’s sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 4:19)
Now, here is the craziest part of this story. Having carried us back home, we immediately become part of His love, not merely absorbing and consuming His tenderness. No, we are suddenly His instruments of reconciliation. “… we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
So now may you know the calming peace of forgiveness; forgiveness received and forgiveness given. May you know the joy of loving well.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21
For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Romans 5:8
… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I have spent years listening to people share their hurts, failures, pain, and shame, including stories of betrayal and abuse, and of broken relationships and separation. In the rarest cases, forgiveness is sought, grace is extended, and relationships are restored. Repair and healing in this broken world are hard work that most refuse to undertake.
What happens to Joseph, regardless of his own fault, predicts a life of bitterness, loneliness, and despair. That is, if he is left to sort things out on his own. The presence of God introduces an alchemy capable of shifting perspective, nurturing love in a desert of hate, and, frankly, making reconciliation the most unsurprising outcome.
You see, if “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and we are talking about the kind of love that sacrifices self, doesn’t keep score of wrongs, and offers reconnection to the broken, then He is the most powerful force in the universe. This power is innate, instinctual, and the core of who Jesus is.
“The Christ” means “the anointed one.” But anointed for what? Jesus was set apart to bring us home, no matter the cost. He accepted the mission to cross the divide, close the gap, heal our brokenness, and reconcile us to our Creator. At the core of this kind of healing is immense grace and forgiveness – “no longer counting people’s sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 4:19)
Now, here is the craziest part of this story. Having carried us back home, we immediately become part of His love, not merely absorbing and consuming His tenderness. No, we are suddenly His instruments of reconciliation. “… we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
So now may you know the calming peace of forgiveness; forgiveness received and forgiveness given. May you know the joy of loving well.
- What kinds of teams have you been a part of? Which ones have you enjoyed most? Why is that?
- Is anything keeping you from the love of Jesus today? What do you need to say to Him about it?
- Who do you think of who seems far from God? How could you be used to bring them home?
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