Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I’m not sure that there is anything worse than a broken relationship. We were created for community and united fellowship just like our perfectly united, triune God. The hurt that comes from being at odds with another, rejected, or betrayed can feel unbearable.
The pain goes so deep because broken relationships are always a result of sin…every single time. God says that only by pride comes contention. (James 3-4) It was sinful pride that caused Adam and Eve to look to themselves for wisdom instead of trusting God’s care and goodness. From that first broken relationship, humans have been hurting one another and dividing from one another ever since. There can be temporal unity around agreed-upon ideas or desires, but true unity that is everlasting is only possible through Jesus Christ humbling Himself on our behalf and making peace.
Before the foundation of the world, God had already made a plan to restore the broken relationship between Himself and mankind that He knew would happen. The entire Bible documents this journey and God’s desire. Praise Him that in His sovereignty His plan has and will continue to be accomplished! He is a reconciling God! First, He reconciles us to Himself through Christ’s shed blood on the cross. He has turned us from enemies into His beloved children. We can have peace with Him and enjoy sweet fellowship, united in Christ.
He then has given us the sweet ministry of reconciliation. What a privilege to be an ambassador of peace to a divided and dying world! What joy to see another who has been fighting God be restored in love to God and others!
PRAISE: Praise God for reconciling you to Himself through Jesus Christ.
THANKSGIVING: Thank God for the ability to be reconciled both to Him and others because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
CONFESSION: Ask God to forgive you for the times you have failed to boldly and lovingly proclaim the ministry of reconciliation to those He has brought into your life.
FURTHER STUDY: Take some time to breathe in the truth about God’s reconciliation and respond to what He shows you.
Romans 5:10-21; Colossians 1:9-14, 21-22; Ephesians 2:13
Additional Resources
The following printable resources are taken from the 30 Days of Thanksgiving devotional available from Amazon. You’ll also find daily gratitude journaling resources below which are taken from the Every Good Gift journal also available from Amazon.