The Heart of Reconciliation
In today’s society, we’re often consumed by the notion of rights. We passionately debate and defend our individual perspectives, sometimes at the expense of others. This attitude can lead us down a path of anger, justification, and vindication, rather than seeking what’s truly right.
A Shift in Focus
When we prioritize who’s right, our motivations become self-centered: proving our point, justifying our opinion, correcting others, and being vindicated. But do these motivations honor God? The answer is a resounding no. In contrast, when we focus on what’s right, we can stand for truth with a heart of grace and reconciliation, just like the Father.
The Power of Surrender
God desires all people to be reconciled to Him and to each other. As we surrender our “rights” and pursue what’s right, we choose reconciliation over division. This applies to both political issues and personal conflicts, including those with our spouses, family, and friends.
Why Choose Reconciliation?
For Jesus’ sake, we choose to pursue oneness with all whom He loves, because unity is at the heart of His prayer in John 17. For the Father’s sake, we choose harmony with His children, recognizing that relationship and love are more important to God than our personal opinions. For the Spirit’s sake, we avoid hindering the Holy Spirit with sinful attitudes of anger, unforgiveness, or disunity. For our own sake, we choose not to harbor bitterness or judgment, knowing that unresolved offenses hinder our worship and fellowship with God. Finally, for the sake of the church, we bring our opinions to the cross, choosing unbroken fellowship in His church.
The Glory of God
Ultimately, is anything worth forfeiting the glory of God in our lives and in His church? No obedience is too costly, too humbling, or too hard, because we want His glory, power, presence, and blessing more than our personal agendas.
A Prayer for Reconciliation
May the Holy Spirit reveal the Father’s heart to us, and may we obey Him, no matter the cost. May Jesus be glorified as we seek to be reconciled with all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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