The Law of Christ pt. 4 – The Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Cor 5:18-21 gave us the ministry of reconciliation
forgiving as Jesus does – not everyone receives the benefit of his forgiveness!
Not everyone gets reconciled to God. Not everyone will be reconciled to us, even when we extend total forgiveness. Our responsibility is to ensure that if there is a breach in a relationship, it is NOT from our end.
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Gal 6:1-2 You who are spiritual…
when there is an offense, the one who is spiritually strong should to take initiative to restore the relationship. loving even our enemies is in our dna!
Bear one another’s burdens… like going the extra mile
When we demand something of those who have wronged us, we are living in the land of justice, where eye for an eye is the law. God’s grace gives us the ability to “go the extra mile” — even for our enemies
Romans 15:1-7 (Passion)
All the insults of those who insulted you fall upon me. – this is where we show ourselves sons!
Jesus, who never wronged anyone, became the embodiment of the sins of others to reconcile us to Himself. All we’ve been asked to do is turn the other cheek, give more than was unjustly taken, and walk an extra mile — for the same purpose.
3 keys to reconciliation from a place of spiritual strength:
- Pour out your heart
– Lay the sins of others onto His account.
– Ask for His Grace
Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
- Confess your part
– Submit yourself to the scrutiny of the Spirit.
– Own 100% of your role in the conflict
1 Peter 2:23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
- Ask the Father:
– to give you a genuine love for the one who sinned against you.
– to help you see like He does,
– to use you as an instrument to set them free
Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Lord, in order to spite my enemies, I ask you to save them all!
Communion
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