Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Word
for the Day
March
- 4 - 2014
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Reconciliation
First
go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. - Matthew 5:24
Reconciliation in the church, families, and
amongst all people is key for the body of Christ to be united in both spirit
and mind. The meaning of reconciliation is to mend that which is broken or
bring a situation or relationship back to its original state/form.
We can look at both the Old Testament and
New Testament to understand what reconciliations means from a biblical stance.
At the beginning of time, Adam and Eve were united as one with God. The
relationship between Adam, Eve, and God was inseparable and was in harmony as
they lived. Yet when sin entered into this world through man’s choice, it
separated God from humankind. Since this occurrence, the harmony, unity, and
oneness of God and His people was shattered and the relationship was broken
bringing an unsettled separation. In the New Testament, the Son of God, Jesus
Christ was sent to the world to make new the relationship with God and His
people. Through the sacrifice of the Son of God on the cross, unity and oneness
was restored in a beautiful way.
In the same way, when we reflect on Matthew
5:21-27, we are reminded of the greatest example of reconciliation that was
displayed to us and continues to be offered to us every day. There are choices
we make or words we say that might bring disunity or separation among us and
others. We should offer this type of reconciliation to those around us because
even though we are undeserving, God, in His amazing grace, offers forgives and
renewal for our life every day.
We may be faced with difficult conflicts
between our church family, the persons in our home life, or even those who we interact
with at work or school. These conflicts only separate us from each other
bringing disunity among those who Christ loves and should live as one body. It
is important for us to remember to offer grace and forgiveness to reconcile
relationships around us and to remember how we are given grace even when we do
not deserve it.
Prayer: Dear
Lord, we thank you for the relationships you have blessed us with and
acknowledge that relationship itself is a gift. Because we are sinful in
nature, we know that disunity and conflict can arise in our daily lives among
Your children. Help us to remember everyday how you restored humanity through
our sacrifice and how we should reflect that same kind of love and forgiveness
to those who we interact with. Humble us and help us to have a Christ like
spirit and mind. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Reconciliation is not an option for those who claim to be Christ
followers, but a daily action reflecting the Father’s amazing love for us in
our relationships with others every single day.
Betty Vattakkunnel, Trinity MTC,
Houston