Transformed Relationships 2 Cor 15:17-19

Through Jesus we have transformed relationships with God, ourselves and others.

Reconciliation

‘practice of resolving differences or argument’

God reconciles people to himself .

not counting trespasses against them

what tresspasses- sin nature

Gen 1- meant to be personal

Gen 3- separated by sin

Romans 5:8–10 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

Reconcileld through Christ- his blood covers us and allows relationship to be intimate again

Restoration

‘returning something to its original state’

If anyone in Christ new creation

transformation- like butterfly

old has passed away

memories and scars take time to heal and disappear but God can help us work through them so they no longer define OR confine us.

John 8:31-32, 36 . know truth if disciple, truth set free, free indeed- John 10:10. theif come to steal, jesus to give life.

my story- def a slave to my own misunderstanding of my identity in christ. could not release my old identity. felt had to earn his acceptance.

New has come

God wants to restore you to the ‘you’ you were intended to be before the fall.

identity- no longer separated sinner, now child and saint.

sanctification- life long process of being re-shaped more and more into the image of God.

see his image in Jesus - that is how we know what God is like and what he wants to form us to be like

Responsibility

‘an obligation, especially to give account of one’s actions’

He has given us message and ministry of reconciliation

He has invited us to join him on mission. to share the gospel.

our job as reconcile-rs:

make peace with others

Matthew 5:23–24 “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

be the first, dont wait

treat others with respect and dignity either Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” OR another one??

Don’t put expectations on relationships to meet needs that only God is meant to meet. this has transformed my relationships!

felt needed affirmation and significance from other relationships in my life. without them knowing, i put expectations on those people to meet needs only the Lord was meant to meet. once realized Lord was meant to meet those needs, and allowed him to do so, I realized my loved ones from those expectations and it completely transformed my relationships! some became great, some faded away bc I was striving to keep them for the wrong reasons.