WALKING IN RECONCILIATION

WALKING IN RECONCILIATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:18
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Supporting Texts: Romans 5:10-11; Ephesians 2:13-18; Colossians 1:19-22; Matthew 5:9; Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14

Description: Walking in reconciliation means living as people who have received peace with God through Christ and are committed to bringing peace and restoration into our relationships with others.

INTRODUCTION

Reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel. Sin separated humanity from God, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God made a way for sinners to be brought back into fellowship with Him. We who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Paul declares that God has not only reconciled us to Himself through Christ but has also entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, reconciliation is not merely something we receive; it is something we must practise and communicate. A reconciled person should become an instrument through whom others experience restoration, peace and love.

Walking in reconciliation means refusing to allow bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness and unnecessary division to control our relationships. It means taking seriously our responsibility as ambassadors of Christ and allowing the character of Christ to be seen in the way we relate to God and to people.

1. RECONCILIATION BEGINS WITH PEACE WITH GOD

Before we can effectively help others experience reconciliation, we must understand and receive the reconciliation God has provided through Jesus Christ. Our greatest separation was not merely from people but from God because of sin.

a. Sin Separated Humanity From God (Isaiah 59:2) — Sin creates separation between humanity and God, but Christ came to restore the broken relationship.

b. Christ Made Peace Possible (Romans 5:10) — Through Christ's death, those who were enemies of God can be reconciled to Him.

c. We Have Been Brought Near (Ephesians 2:13) — The blood of Christ brings those who were far from God into fellowship with Him.

d. Reconciliation Produces Fellowship With God (Colossians 1:21-22) — Christ restores us so that we may stand before God accepted and established in Him.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son returned to his father and was received with compassion and restoration (Luke 15:20-24). His return pictures the joy of restored fellowship.

2. RECONCILIATION CHANGES HOW WE RELATE TO PEOPLE

A person who has experienced God's forgiveness should become willing to extend forgiveness to others. The grace we have received from God should influence the way we respond when people offend, disappoint or hurt us.

a. Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven (Ephesians 4:32) — God's forgiveness towards us should become the pattern for our forgiveness towards others.

b. Refuse Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) — Bitterness can defile relationships and spread division if it is allowed to remain in the heart.

c. Pursue Peace (Romans 12:18) — As far as it depends on us, we should make every reasonable effort to live peaceably with others.

d. Seek Restoration Rather Than Revenge (Romans 12:19-21) — Christians are called to overcome evil with good rather than responding to wrong with more wrong.

Biblical Example: Joseph forgave his brothers despite the evil they had done to him and chose to preserve the relationship rather than retaliate (Genesis 45:4-8).

3. RECONCILIATION REQUIRES HUMILITY

Pride can keep people separated even when restoration is possible. Reconciliation requires humility because sometimes we must be willing to apologise, listen, admit our faults and take the first step towards peace.

a. Humility Opens the Door to Restoration (Philippians 2:3-4) — We must learn to consider the interests of others rather than being controlled by selfishness.

b. Be Willing to Admit Wrong (Proverbs 28:13) — Genuine restoration requires honesty about our own failures.

c. Listen Before Responding (James 1:19) — A willingness to hear others can prevent many unnecessary conflicts.

d. Value Others (Romans 12:10) — Honour and respect can help rebuild relationships that have been damaged.

Biblical Example: Abigail approached David with humility and wisdom, preventing a destructive conflict and bringing reconciliation where anger could have produced bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:23-35).

4.  RECONCILIATION REQUIRES FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that an offence never happened. It means surrendering vengeance to God and refusing to allow the offence to control our hearts. Forgiveness releases us from the prison of resentment and makes room for healing.

a. Forgive From the Heart (Matthew 18:35) — Biblical forgiveness must come from a sincere heart.

b. Do Not Keep Records of Offences (1 Corinthians 13:5) — Love refuses to continually preserve a list of wrongs for future retaliation.

c. Forgiveness Breaks the Cycle of Offence (Colossians 3:13) — When we forgive, we refuse to allow offence to produce further offence.

d. Forgiveness Reflects Christ (Luke 23:34) — Jesus demonstrated extraordinary forgiveness even towards those who crucified Him.

Biblical Example: Stephen prayed for those who were stoning him, asking God not to charge them with the sin (Acts 7:59-60).

5.  RECONCILIATION REQUIRES GODLY COMMUNICATION

Many conflicts become worse because people stop communicating or communicate with anger, accusation and contempt. Biblical reconciliation requires truthful but gracious communication.

a. Speak the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15) — Truth should never be separated from love.

b. Avoid Destructive Words (Ephesians 4:29) — Our words should build rather than tear down.

c. Address Offences Properly (Matthew 18:15) — Jesus teaches us to approach a person privately when a brother or sister has offended us.

d. Let Grace Govern Your Speech (Colossians 4:6) — Our communication should reflect wisdom, grace and spiritual maturity.

Biblical Example: Paul confronted Peter concerning conduct that was inconsistent with the Gospel, showing that difficult matters can be addressed directly and truthfully (Galatians 2:11-14).

6.  RECONCILIATION MAKES US AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

Paul says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador represents another kingdom. Therefore, believers must represent the heart, message and character of Christ wherever they go.

a. We Represent Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) — Our conduct should communicate the character of the One we represent.

b. We Carry a Message of Peace (Ephesians 6:15) — The Gospel announces peace with God through Jesus Christ.

c. We Must Call Others Back to God (2 Corinthians 5:20) — The Church has the responsibility to proclaim God's invitation to reconciliation.

d. Our Lives Must Support Our Message (Philippians 1:27) — We must live in a manner worthy of the Gospel we preach.

Biblical Example: Philip preached Christ to the Ethiopian eunuch, leading him to faith and baptism (Acts 8:26-39). He faithfully represented Christ and communicated the Gospel.

7.  RECONCILIATION SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE CHURCH

The Church should be a community where people experience forgiveness, restoration, unity and love. Division among believers contradicts the reconciling message of the Gospel.

a. Maintain the Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) — Believers must deliberately protect the unity Christ has given His Church.

b. Bear With One Another (Colossians 3:13) — Spiritual maturity requires patience with the weaknesses and differences of others.

c. Restore the Fallen (Galatians 6:1) — Those who fall should be approached with gentleness and a desire for restoration.

d. Let Love Govern Relationships (John 13:35) — The world should be able to recognise Christ's disciples by their love.

Biblical Example: The early Church demonstrated remarkable unity and fellowship despite coming from different backgrounds and circumstances (Acts 2:42-47).

8.  WALK IN RECONCILIATION EVERY DAY

Reconciliation should not be an occasional response to serious conflict. It should become a lifestyle. Every believer should deliberately choose peace, forgiveness, humility, patience and love in daily relationships.

a. Make Peace Quickly (Matthew 5:23-24) — Jesus teaches the importance of taking reconciliation seriously rather than allowing unresolved conflict to remain.

b. Do Not Allow Anger to Control You (Ephesians 4:26-27) — Unresolved anger can give the enemy an opportunity.

c. Pursue Peace Continually (Psalm 34:14) — Peace must be actively pursued rather than passively expected.

d. Let Love Overcome Offence (1 Peter 4:8) — Genuine love helps us respond to offences with grace rather than hatred.

Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas experienced a sharp disagreement, yet the work of God continued and both remained useful in ministry (Acts 15:36-40). Their story reminds us that conflicts must be handled without abandoning God's mission.

CONCLUSION

God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, we must not allow bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, anger or division to contradict the Gospel we proclaim. The person who has received God's peace should become a carrier of peace to others.

Today, let us choose to walk in reconciliation. Let us forgive where forgiveness is needed, apologise where we have caused hurt, pursue peace where there is conflict, and represent Christ faithfully in our relationships. As ambassadors of Christ, may our lives demonstrate the reconciling power of the Gospel.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every root of bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness from my heart, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me grace to forgive those who have offended me, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, restore every relationship in my life that is according to Your will, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me humility to admit my wrongs and seek forgiveness where necessary, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me an instrument of peace and reconciliation wherever I go, in Jesus name.

7. Father, heal every broken relationship in my family and fellowship, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of division, strife and unnecessary conflict, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to represent Christ faithfully as an ambassador of reconciliation, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, use my life to bring many people back to You and to one another, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the peace of God, and no power shall steal your peace.

2. You shall receive grace to forgive and release every offence.

3. Every relationship ordained by God for your life shall experience restoration.

4. You shall not be an agent of division, but a carrier of peace.

5. Every root of bitterness in your heart shall dry up.

6. God shall give you wisdom to handle difficult relationships.

7. You shall experience healing in broken relationships according to God's will.

8. Your home shall become a place of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.

9. You shall faithfully represent Christ as an ambassador of reconciliation.

10. Through your life, many people shall encounter the love, grace and peace of Jesus Christ.