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Reconciliation

Misunderstanding and unforgiveness can cause alienation, break communication, and cause someone to feel they are being mistreated or unjustly accused. Bitterness, resentment, anger and frustration may aggravate the situation. Unresolved conflict may result in broken relationships and, in extreme cases, even physical illness.

God has made a way for these barriers and walls to be broken down and for relationships to be healed. God is working in all things to reconcile the world to Himself by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18; Romans 8:28). He has given the Church the ministry of reconciling parents and children, husbands and wives, labour and management, God and man, and individual with individual (2 Corinthians 5:18,19).

 

What Scripture Says

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another" (Romans 14:19).

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you; leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift"
(Matthew 5:23,24).

"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you are thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny"
(Matthew 5:25,26).

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that ’by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector"
(Matt. 18:15-17).

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:18-19).

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How To Reconcile Relationships

First of all, it is important to have a right relationship with God. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Be open about your own mistakes and failings. Repent of any wrongdoing on your part in causing the division. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31).

Be willing to forgive the wrong that has been done against you. Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."

Allow the Holy Spirit to give you the ability to be reconciled to those with whom you have broken relationships. He can produce love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, meekness, faithfulness, patience and self-control in you. You will be the kind of person who can be reconciled with anyone.

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As You Pray

Please go to prayer now, or as soon as you have the opportunity. By forgiving, you will release your spouse, parent, child, or anyone else you need to forgive (Matthew 18:15-19). He loves them as He loves you. As you pray for them, ask God to give you a great love for them and to show you how to bless them. Seek the Lord for guidance. Ask Him to reveal any hindrances to reconciliation in your own life. As you pray for reconciliation with God, also pray that all barriers to the restoration of other relationships will be removed.

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Suggested Reading

Hebrews 2      Jesus, the Priest of reconciliation
Romans 12      Practical exhortation
Ephesians 2      All people reconciled to God

Read Prison To Praise and other books by Merlin Carothers, Love And Be Loved by Rich Buhler, and Freedom Of Forgiveness by David Augsburger.

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