We are to spread the news of reconciliation to others who are held by sin and rebellion. We share the good news of the gospel and try to live in harmony with all people. Reconciliation can lead us to reunite with others through forgiveness, as the Lord forgave us. “Christ said, ‘by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’” (John 13:35 NIV). Christians evidence this kind of love most through forgiveness and reconciliation.
Prayer
Holy Lord, who sent your only Son to save us,
I pray today to be reconciled to you.
For it anyone is in Christ, [they are] a new creation.
The old has gone, the new has come.
I pray to live in Christ, to let go of my worldly desires
and instead follow where Jesus leads.
May I be made new in Christ, to be reconciled to you,
O [Lord], and be forgiven of my sins
through your great mercy and grace.
Amen.
-Kathryn Shirey, American writer and speaker, www.kathrynshirey.com
A Reading from Matthew
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny” (Matthew 5:23–26, NIV).
Song
Reflection Questions
- Are you ready to follow where Jesus leads you?
- Can you, or have you been, transformed by reconciliation?
- Can you live in harmony with others?
- Are you ready to be reconciled with God and with others?
Activity
Make a list of blessings that you can recall or that you were fortunate to have experienced this past week. Any type of blessing can count and nothing is too small to not be put on the list.
Christian faith is … basically about love and being loved and reconciliation. These things are so important, they're foundational and they can transform individuals, families.
Philip Yancey, American author