The Ministry of Reconciliation
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 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. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Called to Peacemaking
The verses above were a surprise when I noticed the words, “…and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” It is clear that this ministry is given to all believers. And though reconciliation to God (vertical reconciliation) is the primary application here – only achieved through faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins – we read elsewhere that there are also important reconciliation commands on another plane, the horizontal one between people in broken relationships. Damaged relationships seem to be pervasive and almost inescapable in our current polarized culture.
Called to Help Others Be Reconciled to God
Jesus commanded and commissioned his disciples – past, present, and future – to “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). Presenting the good news of the Gospel is the vertical reconciliation role we have as believers; to share Christ with anyone and everyone.
Called to Initiate Reconciliation with Others
Jesus also commanded us to help our brothers and sisters to be reconciled to one another. He commanded us to initiate reconciliation – whether we have offended someone or have been offended: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:24). I once witnessed this in a service when one of the men serving communion broke rank, crossed several aisles, and put his arm around another usher. They whispered briefly, prayed together, and then returned to their places and continued distributing the communion elements. God evidently deems reconciliation between people an urgent matter – one that takes priority even over our worship of Him!
Called to Help Others to Reconcile with One Another
Again, Jesus teaches us, “‘Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that “by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” And, if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church’” (Matthew 18:15-17a). It is here that we see that we not only have personal responsibility to be reconciled to other people but to also help others in the Ministry of Reconciliation (see also Galatians 6:1-5).