Reconciliation

Wednesday, March 6                     2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Amy Shurden

Reconciliation is defined as the action of reconciling. Or in the case of this passage, we are reconciled with God through the death of Jesus. All things are made new. We are back on good terms with God.

How often do we think about reconciliation in our own lives? Is reconciliation the same thing as forgiveness? Maybe it is. Each time we ask for God’s forgiveness, we are given the chance to start anew. I often find it easier to reconcile with God rather than people in my life. When I ask for God’s forgiveness, it is granted to me because of the sacrifice made by Jesus. But why is it sometimes so much more difficult to forgive others?

I asked my nine-year old daughter what reconciliation meant to her. She said, “What does that mean?” I explained that it means getting back on good terms with others or restoring a strained friendship. She said it was like when her friend apologized for taking her Cheetos at lunch! Now they are on good terms! Well, yes, that is reconciliation. Even in the simplest of terms, we have to learn how to reconcile with others at some point in our lives.

I have friends from college who had a falling out several years ago and have yet to reconcile. It’s hard for me because I have such fond college memories of all of us experiencing life together during that significant time in our lives. I’ve tried talking to both sides over the years to encourage them all to start speaking again. But, so far neither side is willing to reconcile. Why do we feel the need to hold a grudge against someone for so long? Does it make us feel better? I guess no matter how hard I try, the need to make amends has to come from within each person. I pray that they can put the past behind and move forward toward reconciliation. With God’s help, maybe someday that will happen. Starting anew sounds really good to me.

Prayer: Gracious God, please be with us each and everyday and grant us the wisdom to live our lives reconciled with you. Amen.

Daily Challenge: During this Lenten season, I am going to make it a point to reconcile myself with God and others everyday.