Reconciliation

The Body of Christ often suffers from broken bones and sickness when there is no reconciliation after conflict.  When someone breaks a bone they need a doctor to set it back to normal so that it will continue to grow and function properly.  If you don't reset the bone, it will typically still heal over a longer period of time.  However, an unset bone will not function like it should and it will heal in a very weakened state.  We as members of the body of Christ need healing in our broken relationships.  These often cause pain and suffering and when there is no reconciliation in those relationships the immediate pains may subside over time, but the long term effects will remain.

Reconciliation often requires confrontation.  Not in a combative manner, but in a way that brings about healing through grace and truth.  Truth needs to be shared in a grace-filled manner so that we can get passed our hurts and hangups and move forward through a normal healing process.  It is true the old adage, "Time heals all wounds."  So we could just let the break heal on it's own.  However, the bible says, The Lord "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3) and "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).  Time may partially heal, but love is what sets the broken bone back to it's proper position and causes it to heal even stronger than it was before the break.

Imagine if Christ was too afraid of confrontation to have gone to the cross for our reconciliation!  We would still be permanently broken!  We are to be mini-"reconcilers!"  Christ was The One Who Reconciled.  Therefore, we are to follow in His footsteps of reconciliation.  Matthew 5:23-24 says, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 


Notice that it is our duty to go to our brother or sister not just when we are at fault, but when someone has done something against us.  Don't wait for an apology, just go and be reconciled.  It is our duty to as believers to be agents of healing.  Where have you noticed the need for healing in a broken relationship?  What are you currently doing to bring about reconciliation in that relationship?  No matter how hard it may be, we are all called to be reconciled.