Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.”

God’s heart is one of reconciliation.

Just as He reconciled us to Himself through Jesus, He now calls us to embrace that restored relationship.

Yesterday we talked about repentance and the freedom it gives us to live in right relationship with God. Today we want to celebrate the joy and the peace that comes when we choose to live in righteousness and obedience to God.

Reconciliation means ‘the act of coming to an understanding and putting an end to hostility, as when former enemies agree to an amicable truce’.

Once we have been reconciled with God, we are called to walk in newness of life. What does reconciliation with God look like in your life?

It may conjure up feelings of joy and freedom in you, knowing that you are walking in step with your Father, in His will and His ways.

You may feel a weight of guilt lifted from your shoulders, a weight that you may have been carrying through lostness, sin, guilt or shame. Embrace this wonderful release knowing that you are forgiven and set free.

How does reconciliation with God change your perspective on forgiveness, both receiving it from God and offering it to others?

Many people cannot wrap their heads around the forgiveness that the Father offers. The exchange made on the cross is too much for them – I agree! It is a wonderful truth that we get to live in!

May we allow this depth of forgiveness to spill over into our relationships with one another, not withholding forgiveness from each other but giving it as freely as we have received it from God.

Reconciliation with God is a wonderful state to live in. May we never compromise or take for granted this miraculous hope.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for reconciling me to You. I pray that you will help me to live from a place of restored relationship, peace and purpose from now on.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.