A MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
-- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18

The world abounds with people whose sin has alienated them from God. Christ's sacrificial work has restored Christians to a love relationship with the heavenly Father. As Christians, we are appointed as ministers of reconciliation. Once Christ dwells within us, we become His ambassadors, and we entreat others to be reconciled to Him (2 Cor. 5:20). We are God's messengers of peace, urging others to return to God (Matt. 5:9). Sin breaks our relationship with God; it severs relationships with others as well. Broken relationships are the epidemic of our day. Sin alienates family members, separates friends, divides churches, and destroys marriages. Sin creates mistrust, jealousy, hatred, and greed, all of which devastate relationships. Only Christ has the remedy for the disastrous effect of sin on human relationships, As His ambassadors, we are to take the message of reconciliation to a broken, divided world. We urge reconciliation first with God, and then with each other. How tragic when God's messengers of peace harbor enmity toward each other. It is a travesty to carry a message of love and yet be filled with hatred. If there is someone whom you refuse to forgive, your message of reconciliation is hypocrisy. The evidence that you are a disciple of Jesus is that you love your fellow Christian (John 13:35). In each of your relationships, make certain that your actions share the love and forgiveness that reflect what you received from God. Then you will not only speak the message of reconciliation, but you will live it as well.

Author-Unknow

John -

This message is incredibly powerful and speaks directly to my heart. I have been struggling in this area myself. Trying to come to the point where true forgiveness towards my ex is a place I can remain. I tend to fluctuate at times and each time my heart becomes very heavy.

I have sent an e-mail explaining I recognized my part in our split and truly apologized for any and all hurt that I may have caused in the process. But it still hasn't stopped the ache in my heart and spirit.

All I know to do is to truly give it over to God and trust that His word is true. It gets tough this faith and trust thing. But I know that He is my all in all and that without Him I truly am nothing. So I continue to hang on grasping Him with all I have.

Appreciate the good word my brother.

Howard

Howard,

It takes a big man to confess his faults but God sees your heart and knows you are trying. You have been through some trails but God is restoring you and molding you for a greater life with peace, love, and strength. You can't imagine what God has in stored for you. Keep your eyes and heart focused on the Lord Jesus.

He has a plan for your life free from our pains and struggles.

Keep in the Word!

Love ya brother!