2nd Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
This passage of scripture reveals to us the ministry of reconciliation as initiated and ordained of God, and carried out by Christ and all true believers. The word reconcile means to resolve differences or disputes, or to restore broken relationships, and as carried out by Christ on Calvary, it actually reinstates our original relationship with the God-head, as it was before the entrance of sin. After Adam and Eve had sinned, God is the One who came looking for them, and even though they alone were in the wrong, It was God who took the initiative in restoring the broken bonds of peace that were ruptured on account of their transgression. Let's read:
Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
This template given us by God is to be adopted and routinely followed as we endeavor to implement the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, when relationships have been broken because of wrongs committed by others, as Christians we should be the first to go looking for the one who committed the error, with the purpose of forgiving and reconciling any ruptured relationships.
But wounded pride often gets in the way, and we sometimes allow our hurt feelings to prevent us from taking the initiative of seeking the restoration of those who might have sinned against us. The teachings of Christ on matters such as these are given in the clearest possible language, and although reconciliation often requires a humble spirit to be accomplished, yet the Bible assures us that we can do all things through Christ who led the way, and who will strengthen us to do the right thing. Let's read:
Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
When this instruction and practice is consistently carried out by Christians, the bickering and animosities that are often allowed to separate us, will be banished by the grace of God, and instead of fostering a spirit of alienation, our attitude will be to seek for the salvation of others. As a general rule of thumb, when Christ lives within our hearts, His very presence will pervade the atmosphere around us, so that all who we come in contact with will be drawn to Him, and never repulsed. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages the practice of reconciliation in our relationships with others, not bearing grudges for years, but being ready and eager to restore, forgive, and save. Let's read:
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink" ...... 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!