Reconciliation

 To be reconciled with someone who has wronged us is difficult.  It's hard to get beyond our hurt and find the compassion we need to forgive and then find a way forward with them.  God is more than able to help us do this. 

 We are all flawed individuals. When we make amends for our mistakes, our desire is that those persons we have harmed will forgive us and that we will be reconciled with them. Despite our imperfections, we long for them to see the good in us and find a way to move forward. Where possible we should also seek restoration of our relationships with those we need to forgive and offer acceptance to them. 

Try to live in peace with everyone. And try to keep your lives free from sin. Anyone whose life is not holy will never see the Lord.  (Hebrews 12:14 ERV)

Forgiveness is the choice of a moment, but reconciliation is a journey.  We must give others time to see how genuine and consistent our changes are and allow them to rebuild their trust in us.  Similarly, we need to learn healthy boundaries with others while keeping our hearts open to whatever time they need to change so the relationships we build are on a solid foundation.  We need to take responsibility for our actions and, where appropriate, leave another’s responsibility with them.  We make amends where we can and learn to lovingly let go of those folks who are not willing or able to build relationship with us in this new way. 

 Jesus provided a way of reconciliation for us and put His Spirit in our hearts, so we could have all we need to live reconciled to God and others.  We are invited to carry this message of reconciliation to others as a sign of God’s heart for all of us.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus who made a way for me to have peace with You and with others.  Help me to want and pursue reconciliation with others. Amen

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