Reconciled to Reconcile

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16–21

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, 

not counting people’s sins against them.

2 Corinthians 5:19

Reconciliation means bringing together what has been separated. Paul tells us that God has done this for us through Jesus: “God reconciled us to himself through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:18). We were once far from God, but through Christ we have been “brought near” (Ephesians 2:13). We didn’t make our own way back to God; He came looking for us. Because our sins are forgiven, we no longer need to hide from Him. Adam hid from God in the garden (Genesis 3:8), but in Christ we are invited to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). We can come into God’s presence unashamed and sit quietly beneath His loving gaze.

Reconciliation is also something God works within us. Our hearts can be divided. We want God’s will, yet we also want our own way. We want to forgive, yet hold on to hurts. We desire humility, yet still seek recognition. David prayed, “Give me an undivided heart” (Psalm 86:11). Paul gives us hope: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ is changing us from within, bringing our conflicting desires under His loving rule. God’s new creation begins in changed hearts.

But reconciliation doesn’t stop with us. God has given us the “ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18) and calls us “Christ’s ambassadors” (v. 20). Those who have received grace can extend grace. Those who have been forgiven can forgive. Those whom God has welcomed can welcome others. Today, may we ask God to reconcile what is divided within us, give us undivided hearts, and use us to bring His peace and grace to a divided world.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through Christ. Give us undivided hearts, reorder our desires, and help us to rest beneath Your loving gaze. Use us to carry Your grace and reconciliation to others. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.