All we need to accept is that reconciliation is a gift that has already been given to us from Christ when he died on the cross for us. If we believe in him, we will be like him: forgiving and reconciling. It is as Paul stated it: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:17, 18, NIV). Then we must show others forgiveness, to be reconciled with them.
Prayer
Lord,
To seek reconciliation is a humble fate, one that requires me to admit my shortcomings and extend mercy to those who have failed me.
I pray that you give me the strength to believe apologizing – offering myself as an imperfect person – will lead to peace and spiritual freedom that I can’t claim outside of reconciling myself to those I have hurt.
Meanwhile, I ask that you help me extend mercy in the same way you show mercy to me.
Amen.
-www.first15.org
A Reading from Matthew
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
(Matthew 18:21-22 NIV).
Song
Forgive Us Our Sins As We Forgive
Reflection Questions
- Who do you need to forgive?
- Are you ready to be like Christ?
- Do you feel able to extend mercy to others?
- Do you need to be forgiven for something?
Activity
Mindful Eating
As you have a meal today, focus your thoughts on the meal. Take a bite of food and set your fork or spoon down. Chew the food and think about the tastes you are experiencing. Do you taste garlic? Salt? Sweetness? What are the textures you are experiencing? Are you enjoying those textures? Make sure you swallow before taking another bite. There’s no point in feeding your food. Take your time and enjoy your meal. How can you be mindful with others? How can you be mindful with those that need your forgiveness?
When you repent and operate on God's standards, now you have restoration and reconciliation.
Tony Evans, American pastor