By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." - NIV
When a conflict arises between any people, it’s the reconciliation process that restores and heals relationships and brings peace. When sin entered into the world, it brought a separation between man and God. Man lost the fellowship with God. Under the influence of Satan, man became an enemy with his Creator. But the God of peace sought to reconcile humanity to Himself, as He originally intended to fellowship with man. He did this through Jesus.
Jesus did this by carrying upon Himself the sins of the whole human race, bore the punishment that was due for everyone who sinned, so that our sins are no longer counted against us! They were all placed on Jesus. Through our faith in Him and the finished work on the cross, we are reconciled with God. The sin barrier was broken, and our peace with God sealed. And so Jesus came and laid down His life, dying an extremely painful and shameful death He didn’t deserve, so that you and me may find peace with God. What a love!
Not only did He do that for us, He also gave us the same ministry, to carry the message of reconciliation on His behalf. We thus preach peace, forgiveness, healing and restoration of relationships between men and God, and between men and fellow men. Be reconciled to God. Nothing should stand in the way anymore because Jesus cleared the sin barrier. It’s only the disobedient who remain in rebellion to God.
Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Shalom children of God.