Reconciliation - Laetitia van Schalkwyk

 

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of reconciliation is:

“The restoration of friendly relations”.

“Reconciliation is the process of two people or groups in a conflict agreeing to make amends or come to a truce.”

The Greek word translated “reconciliation” literally means to “change completely”.

In Colossians 1:20-22, the Bible states that sinners are alienated from God and enemies in their minds by wicked works, yet God has provided reconciliation through Christ’s death.

To accomplish reconciliation, you need five C’s:

·         Conviction

·         Confession

·         Contrition

·         Compensation and

·         Correction.

What does Jesus say about reconciliation?

Matthew 5:23-26 TPT

“So then, if you are presenting a gift before the altar and suddenly you remember a quarrel you have with a fellow believer, leave your gift there in front of the altar and go at once to apologize to the one who is offended. Then, after you have reconciled, come to the altar, and present your gift.”

What is God’s message of reconciliation?

Scripture says that God was reconciling to himself all things, through Jesus. Be restoring our right relationship with God, Jesus also opened the door for us to live in right relationship with each other, creation, and ourselves.

Is it possible to reconcile without forgiveness?

Well, what is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?

The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation is that forgiveness requires nothing from the person you are forgiving.

They do not even have to know you are forgiving them.

Reconciliation requires repentance from the offender, and even then, he or she does not dictate the terms of reconciliation.

The negative consequences of not forgiving have been documented in studies that show that it can lead to emotional pain or anger, hate, hurt, resentment, bitterness and so on, and, consequently, can create health issues, affect relationships, and stop us from experiencing the freedom that forgiveness enables.

What do you think? Is it possible to reconcile without forgiveness?

No, it is impossible because there must first be a willingness to reconcile and then an acceptance of reconciliation. Clearly forgiveness is necessary.

What does the Bible say about reconciliation?

In the Bible, reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man.

I want to leave you with Ephesians 1:3-10 in the Passion Translation:

“Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts! And in love he chose us before he laid the foundation of the universe! Because of his great love, he ordained us, so that we would be seen as holy in his eyes with an unstained innocence. For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace —for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure! Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace. This superabundant grace is already powerfully working in us, releasing all forms of wisdom and practical understanding. And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time. And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfilment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ.”

Paul urged the Roman church to do all it takes to live at peace with all men (Hebrews 12:18).

He also asked the Hebrew church to pursue peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14).

The will of God is for His children to fellowship freely with one another, constantly forgiving one another and seeking reconciliation whenever relationships are injured. Jesus indicated that the true mark of His disciples was when they lived in harmony with one another.

John 13:35 in the Passion Translation says:

“For when you demonstrate the same love, I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.”

May this message encourage you, and lead you to:

 •            Conviction

•             Confession

•             Contrition

•             Compensation and

•             Correction

Until we meet again, this is me, Laetitia, saying: 

SHALOM!

 

Laetitia van Schalkwyk - Glory Realm Ministries