Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV))
What do you think of when you think of reconciliation?
If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you should understand the reconciliation spoken of, but is there more to consider?
I think that there is based on the following words.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
(Luke 6:31 (NIV))
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
(Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV))
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
(Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV))
There is one more passage that I need to bring up.
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
(Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV))
Are you beginning to see a pattern?
It is true that Jesus came to bring reconciliation with God through His blood. We are called to do so much more with this gift, so let's not forget this excerpt for how we were taught to pray.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
(Matthew 6:12 (NIV))
In other words, if we aren't willing to forgive others, then our forgiveness is uncertain. We are called to live our lives as Jesus lived. He came to bring reconciliation. He came to bring mercy and grace. How can we have either if we are not willing to reconcile with others?
Are you truly reconciled?
Copyright 1998 - 2026 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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