Devotionals

Reconciliation vs Alienation

by Michael Edwards 
09/06/15
Free to Share

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.(2 Cor 5:18-19 ESV)

Sometimes I wonder if as the church we are really obeying God's word when it comes to reconciling sinners to God. Are we acting like Jesus or more like a Pharisee? Do sinners sense Jesus compassion, mercy and grace in us and seek us out like they did him? Are we reconciling people to God or passing judgment, "counting their trespasses against" them and condemning them like the self-righteous Pharisee's?

When I read the scriptures I do not read where Jesus judged and condemned mankind. What I do see is his consistent offer of reconciliation by grace to the lost. I see Jesus heart, compassion and selfless love for the lost sinner. I see an exact imprint of the Father's nature in Jesus. (Heb 1:3)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16 ESV

Have we forgotten we were once hopeless, separated from God? Are we about the business of reconciliation or alienation?

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5 20-21 ESV

Father, please use me to help reconcile the lost to you.