Reconciliation (the Ministry of)

2 Corinthians 5:18–21 NKJV

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Eerdmans Bible Dictionary RECONCILIATION

RECONCILIATION. *The restoration of a harmonious relationship between two parties; in the New Testament the term refers most often to God’s restoration of his relationship with sinful humanity through Jesus Christ

1) Why Should we care so much about reconciliation?

Matthew 5:23–24 NKJV

23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Romans 5:8–11 NKJV

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

how do we walk in our own salvation. then not want to forgive and reconcile with others.

It’s no question that I don’t like spiritual posturing. so, I struggle with people who can hear the voice of God for what to have for. and don’t have any tolerance for people who.

Many times people fain spirituality because they feel inferior. ( this does not excuse behavior/ I cannot always control behavior. you reap what you sow.

Galatians 6:7 NKJV

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

a lot of people think they can see what is going on with people but they can’t. just because someone seems to get away with murder, but they don't.

(Justin Hester) life long alcoholic, spent untold money to stay out of prison and he did, but his alcoholism did not slow down. in contrast: he was listing to a guy talk once who spent more than 20 years in prison and his addiction was starved and he has his health.

2. Reconciliation has to do with restitution.

Exodus 22:1 NKJV

1 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.

as we said last week. forgiveness is a nonnegotiable. we dont have the right as a christian to not forgive.

if you where abused, again for you forgiveness is huge, for your recovery.

may not be able to it may not be healthy for restoration of relationship but in most cases that is extreme.

reconciliation can take place over time. it takes longer for some people verses others.

once restitution takes place reconciliation can take place.

3. Disunity makes it hard to function in the Body of Christ.

Romans 16:17 NKJV

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.