Reconciliation

Reconciliation is one if those words in which the same basic meaning can be applied to a variety of situations. We reconcile our checkbooks, marriages and ourselves.Dictionary.com states:
rec⋅on⋅cil⋅i⋅a⋅tion

1.	an act of reconciling or the state of being reconciled.

2.	the process of making consistent or compatible.

The ministry of Jesus was to reconcile us to our God. Because our sin separated us from his righteousness, He came and removed the barrier by paying a debt that we couldn't pay. This has given us the ability to have an intimate relationship with Him when otherwise, we would be on our own. Without this agreement, the purpose He created us for, fellowship with Him, would be impossible.
Jesus not only came to reconcile us to His Father but to each other as well. He tells us to love each other. One of my favorite passages Scriptures is Philippians 2:1-4 "¹ Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." What is better than giving our Lord joy? He died for us! Isn't obeying him the least we can do?
We are also told to love on another and that includes our enemies. Those who dislike us or treat us poorly are still to be blessed by us. That's why I believe that love is not a feeling but an action to be taken. To be patient, kind, not rude, not selfish, etc. is a choice that we make. Its part of the process of reconciliation and goes with taking thoughts captive and forgiveness. In order to have an intimate relationship with Christ, we need to be willing to be obedient to His Word. That involves dying to self and reconciling to each other.
The other interesting thing is that it is a "process of making consistent or compatible". We have to be willing to go through the process. We can't look back, only forward in order to truly reconcile. We have to willing to admit our own mistakes as well as forgive the shortcomings of others. At times we have to be willing to accept forgiveness extended to ourselves.
Is there someone you need to reconcile with? Are you ready if someone is prepared to reconcile with you? What steps are you willing to take today?

Always,

Hope