that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Memory of the Month: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Today's reading: GENESIS 31-32 MATTHEW 9:18-38
Reconciliation
The word 'reconcile' means, basically, to settle a conflict; to make things right.
Our verse of the day had St. Paul telling the Christians in the Corinthian church to be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
First, we Christians have been given the ministry of reconciliation-that we carry the word to the lost so they can be reconciled to God. So why is Paul telling folks who have already been reconciled to God, to be reconciled with God?
Paul is telling some folks who have not just stepped out of line but who habitually live 'outside the line' to get right with God. He pleads for them to be reconciled. Why?
We are judged by the world around us by the way we live and love-the things we do- the way God's love is seen in our everyday lives.
John 13:35 ►By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Staying connected to the Heart of God is more than just showing up and going through the motions. Long faces and joyless existence-empty laughter and poor attitudes-these attract only more of the same.
Paul pleads for the church to rise up and in faith get back to their 'first love'.
We should always see this as a personal plea from God's heart to us. God yearns for us to stay close to Him and a heart that harbors sin hides behind a wall of denial.
But God yearns for us to be in His presence. He yearns for us to humble ourselves under His hand. He yearns for us to live in the center of His love and real joy and know this fulfillment.
God's sustaining power can only be experienced by the reconciled heart. Power for times of pain and humility in victory is the experience of the reconciled. The heart that prays and meditates yearns for more of God-not more of the world. The more of God we know, the less we need personal reconciliation with God and the more God can use us to share reconciliation with the world around us.
We all know the condition of our own hearts...how committed are we to the work it takes to stay reconciled-how much do we want that precious relationship with Him?
God is patient.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Search me and try me and show me my life and forgive me for not staying near You all the time. Restore my soul. Let the world around me see Your power and peace and love in me.
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