We have been through a challenging season recently as individuals, as a church family and as a country. In challenging times, tension and frustrations can arise, which can lead to relational problems and conflict. In most instances we deal with these as they arise. This is called reconciliation. Sometimes we allow them to stay unresolved and they can fester and build. This can lead to relational separation.
Our next few Monday Musing @ KCC emails will seek to explore the biblical truth and experience of reconciliation for us as a church family. Reconciliation as revealed in and through Christ and the cross. Where needed, we will also encourage people to take up the opportunity to see tensions, frustrations, problems and/or conflicts resolved and biblical community restored. This should be the culture of our church family.
At the heart of the gospel is reconciliation. Reconciliation is the restoring of relationship and of peace, where before there had been anger and separation. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation… COLOSSIANS 1:21-22
In the same way we were restored/reconciled by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, so too can problems/conflict in the church be reconciled. A reconciliation that can bring peace and a drawing into the wholeness and oneness Christ established the church to be and show. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. COLOSSIANS 3:13
The church must not only experience the reconciling work of Christ through grace, but we must also engage in the ministry of reconciliation in our daily lives. This is one aspect of what it means to work out our salvation.
Take the time to praise God for the reconciliation he has gifted you through Jesus.
What relationships in your life need reconciling?