Reconcile

Reconcile.

To settle; to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible; to square up accounts.

This Easter, the word “reconcile” has rested in both my heart and on my mind. 

There is joy in the gift of the cross – the brokenness that hinders relationship with God is fully reconciled. 

There are times when I’m painfully aware that I am fundamentally flawed – incapable of truly living this life in a virtuous, morally correct manner.  Reconciliation is necessary because in my humanness, no matter how I may try, I am unable to redeem myself – a stubborn child.

There are times in which I struggle with being unsettled, life seems tougher than it needs to be…. just emotionally draining.  This also is a result of my brokenness. I can be judgmental, impatient, resentful, anxious, insecure, self-centered, harbor mistrust… and the list goes on (and on) all of which leads to pain and regret – a hot mess resulting in discord and debt in my relationship with the Father and others as well.

Easter brings the good news that this list of brokenness is wiped clean – not just this once – but for all time.  Despite my wrongs and imperfection, I can daily live cleansed, at peace as His beloved unconditionally loved child.

Celebrating Easter and worshiping with our family of God brought an additional revelation/blessing.  We were there in union, together, in fellowship – connected by God’s grace and love.  The possibility to peacefully live each day in love and harmony in light of the Cross exists and perhaps should be consciously sought.

  

Sometimes as we travel life there is brokenness in relationships that is a source of unpleasantness or pain.  Hurt causes loss of trust. There is hesitation and uncertainty.  People are guarded and kept apart.  There is loss.  Again, the problem is due to our brokenness.  Sometimes despite our want or effort, it is hard - maybe even seemingly impossible to have reconciliation in relationship.  Words cannot mend.  Actions, attitudes, depth of hurt or betrayal will not fully be overcome in superficial human interactions. 

On our own, we are unable to provide true reconciliation that restores.  Instead we “reconcile” ourselves to accept the situation of a broken relationship – accepting that things will just always be unpleasant since the situation cannot or will not change.  This type of reconciliation doesn’t bring a lasting peace or rest.

Reconcile.

Reunite; harmonize; intercede; rectify.

Here’s the blessing…. The gift of Christ’s reconciliation also covers us in our relationships with others.  The same grace that provided harmony with the Father can reunite us with individuals from whom we are separated.  We can approach them – as a reconciled child of God – through the Love of the Father.  Reach out, talk with, interact with, serve or help that individual not of our own accord but trusting in the blessing the cross provides to intercede and rectify. 

And so my prayer this Easter is to hold the reconciliation of the Cross in my heart daily in my relationship with the Father and with others; that I may act through His grace and love beyond my brokenness. 

Rom 5:8  "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Rom 5:1   "Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Rom 5:10  “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”