Feb 27 2008
Reconciliation – part 1
Pastor Rick’s latest message is about reconciliation. This is not a new topic, but it is a very difficult topic for everyone (me included) because it’s hard for us to get along with each other. The roots of all conflicts are selfishness and sinfulness. I have needs. If my needs are not met, I will get cranky, jealous, and eventually angry. I get angry at the person I love. I get angry at God.
I must learn how to reconcile with others. But first, I must take 7 steps to get there:
- Make peace with God.
- Ask God for help.
- Convene a peace conference.
- Confess my part of the conflict.
- Listen for others’ hurt.
- Be willing to absorb the pain.
- Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.
First and foremost, I must surrender myself to God. God is the provider of all things. Going against the flesh, I need an extra strong influence that God can provide. He gives me guidelines to live by through His words. He wants me to live pure and faultless, which is what I have to strife for. To believe in God, I must change my lifestyle. I can’t be a person from this world, where selfish desires are considered acceptable and mostly encouraged! I have rules to live by. If I’ve been hurt by others, I know God will be able to heal me.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
I must always ask God for help. To get my thoughts going on reconciliation, I have to ask two things:
- How much of it is my fault?
- What does God want me to do about this?
During a conflict, it’s very difficult for me to self-examine myself. That is why I rely on God to give me the wisdom to know what I’ve done, and help me correct my faults.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Thank you, Jesus, for surrendering on the cross for my sins. You have shown me how to love God and to love one another. You’ve shown me the wisdom to love by paying attention to other people’s needs, not my own. I thank you for being there for me when I need you. My needs are satisfied every time I ask you and for that I’m forever grateful! Amen.
Thank you for words of guidance in this time of need for reconciliation in our household. We must look to our Father for wisdom and guidance.