definition of reconciliation: to restore a broken relationship to friendship and harmony

Definition of Reconciliation:

To restore a broken relationship to friendship and harmony.

Reconciliation is one of the core behaviors of the Christian life.

Jesus said :

God’s children will be blessed because they are reconcilers. Matt 5:9-- God blesses

those who are peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Jesus said :

Reconciliation is an essential element of believers’ character. Mark 9:50 "Salt is good,

but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." NIV

Jesus said :

Reconciliation is a

prerequisite for worship. Matt 5:23-24 "Therefore,

if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. NIV

Paul said:

Reconciliation is at the heart of Christian ministry.

2 Corinthian 5:11-21

Notice:

Reconciliation is hard work. (v. 11)

Reconciliation requires submission to Jesus (v. 14a)

Notice:

Reconciliation requires commitments to the life of the new

birth (v. 14b, 17) unselfishness (v. 15) to a divine

perspective

Notice:

Reconciliation requires acceptance of the God-given task (v. 18-20) To reconcile the world to

God (v. 18) To be God’s

representatives, spreading His message of reconciliation (19-20)

Kinds of Reconciliation

Divine reconciliation God reconciled us to

Himself through Jesus. Personal

Reconciliation We reconcile ourselves

to one another.

Kinds of Reconciliation

Cultural/Racial Reconciliation My people reconcile

ourselves with your people.

One Verse

Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! Ps 85:10

Truth Truth:

Acknowledgment, transparency, revelation, clarity, accountability, vulnerability Unless the parties are open

and honest with each other, true reconciliation cannot be had. Confession is a critical aspect of truth.

Truth

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. Ps 89:14

Unfailing Love Unfailing Love -

Chesed-- Mercy: Forgiveness, compassion, acceptance. Unfailing love involves

the idea of grace. But love apart from truth is superficial. It needs truth as its companion, 

Unfailing Love “. . . then God will

establish one of David's descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right.” Isa 16:5

Justice Justice: Equality,

right relationship, making things right, restitution, fairness Without attempts to

restore dignity and equality, the brokenness created by the conflict continues to fester.

Justice

“ His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” Isa 9:7

Peace Peace: Harmony,

unity, well-being, security, respect Peace is the prevailing

atmosphere of security and respect between all parties. Without that atmosphere, suspicions and fears reemerge.

Peace The name Melchizedek

means "king of justice," and king of Salem means "king of peace." 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. Heb. 7:2-3

Two Stories

Unfailing love and truth John 8:1-11

Righteousness and Peace

Luke 7:36-50