We are told to forgive as Christ did. But reconciliation is different than forgiveness. Forgiveness takes one person. Reconciliation takes two. Because we live in a fallen world, it is possible that we will never reconcile with some people. Regardless of how perfect Jesus was there were individuals unwilling to make things right with Him. Additionally, Paul never reconciled with everyone either.
Reconciliation takes two believers willing to humble themselves before the Lord and desire authentic reconciliation.
After someone is offended or has offended someone there are things such as sin, guilt, conviction, confession and forgiveness that must be addressed before reconciliation. Many try to jump straight to reconciliation before addressing those areas listed above and then wonder why they are rejected.
I have met many, many people that have not been able to reconcile. It divides and changes people forever. For the relational person this is often difficult. For the non-relational person, they simply isolate and separate and live in their own world.
The Bible teaches in Matthew 5:21-25 that reconciliation should take place as soon as possible, when possible. Believers have an advantage over nonbelievers when it comes to reconciliation because of the power and leading of the Holy Spirit. That is key. The Holy Spirit must do the work in preparing the heart to be willing to reconcile. So we pray and wait. Meanwhile, try to live out Romans 12:18
David is a father, husband, business owner, and ministry leader. He is Founder and Director of a Hope 2 Offer, an Iowa non-profit, focused on counseling and public speaking and The Orange Planet, a central Iowa based basketball instruction company started in 2008.
As always, thanks for reading Unmasked.
Unmasked with David Charleston 