Reconcile

“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, NKJV)

Reconcile is a beautiful word. It means simply “to restore to friendship or harmony.” Think of how many books and movies deal with the subject. A good love goes bad, and we rejoice when the lovers mend their differences “and live happily ever after.”

In the love story between God and us, “reconcile” is every bit as beautiful. Once God walked in the garden in the cool of the day to have fellowship, friendship and harmony with man. But sin robbed both God and man of this relationship. It was a lose-lose situation. Sin brought death, and death is separation. The immediate result was that man hid from God and could no longer enjoy the fellowship.

Only the cross could restore the relationship. How wonderfully powerful is the cross! Through Jesus Christ dying on the cross we have been reconciled to God. The friendship and harmony of the garden have been restored. Though we do not yet see Him face to face, yet we walk with Him in intimate and loving fellowship.

But it does not end there, for we have also been given the ministry of reconciliation. What an amazing privilege it is for God to use us to reconcile others to Him! He has commissioned us and empowered us. The greatest gift we can give anyone is to bring him or her into friendship, harmony and fellowship with God.

We need never fear sharing the good news of reconciliation. It’s the greatest love story ever written. In this gospel is the power for everyone who believes to have a love relationship with God and “to live happily ever after.” May God help us passionately take hold of this wonderful ministry entrusted to each one of us!