RECONCILIATION!

RECONCILIATION!

Col 1:19-22

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

           The etymology of the word “reconcile” is from the late Middle English: from Old French reconcilier or Latin reconciliare, from Latin re- ‘back’ (also expressing intensive force) + conciliare ‘bring together.’

           Legally, in human relationships, reconciliation is seldom possible unless restitution has been made. If something has been stolen it should be paid back. Even so there must also be repentance, a promise never to do the wrong ever again, and forgiveness. Forgiveness is treating the offending party as if the offense had never happened. It is easy to see how difficult this is!

           When we offended God, He paid the debt himself by the death of His Son Jesus. Restitution was made, forgiveness was possible, and reconciliation then was offered to the guilty. The only thing preventing God and man from coming together is man’s refusal of God’s offer. When man refuses God’s offer, either because of a lack of faith or will, he remains in the realm of guilt and condemnation because of his choice.

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Dear Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to be brought back and brought together with you. AMEN