Reconciled

When I think of the word “reconcile” I think about two parties who are in opposition to each other. There is a strong disagreement or difference of opinion that needs to be worked through. In 2 Corinthians 5 this word is used to describe what needs to happen between God and man. Here is what Paul writes in verses 18-19: 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Unfortunately, I think many people would say that they don’t see the need for reconciliation between them and God. After all, they’re pretty cool with God…no major problems.   For the most part God seems to leave them alone and they leave Him alone, except when they really need something and when Christmas and Easter come around. But this isn’t true. Because of our sin we are not “cool” with God. We are actually alienated from God. We desperately need to be reconciled to God, all of us.

This chapter and many others clearly teach us that the only way to be reconciled to God is through Jesus Christ.   There is no other way. And then those who have been reconciled to God through Christ has the privilege and responsibility to share that message with others. Have you been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ? Are you then sharing that message with others?