Spiritual Warfare » Christian Mission - The Ministry of Reconciliation

Overcoming every obstacle to prepare the way of the Lord.

Next: Spiritual Weapons

• 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. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NKJV)
• But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (1 Corinthians 12:20-27 NKJV)
• ...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 5:23-24 NKJV)
• Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 NKJV)
• Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 NKJV)
• I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner - not even to eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 KJV)
• This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him... lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:6-11 NKJV)

The Christian faith is rooted in the message of reconciliation. Through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, believers are called to offer reconciliation, both to God and to one another. This mission of reconciliation reflects God's desire for unity, restoration, and healing:

1. Reconciled to God and now Ministers of Reconciliation: The mission of reconciliation stems from the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus bridged the gap between humanity and God, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe in Him. As recipients of this divine reconciliation, Christians are called to extend the same love and forgiveness to others. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 exhorts believers that since God, has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, He has entrusted believers with the ministry of reconciliation, inviting us to participate in the divine work of bringing people back into a right relationship with Him. By proclaiming the message of forgiveness and grace, we implore others to be reconciled to God, experiencing the transformative power of His love.
2. Unity within the Body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:20-27 teaches that the body of Christ is composed of diverse members who are interconnected and interdependent. Each member is valuable and necessary, irrespective of their perceived strength or honor. Each Christian community is composed of diverse individuals with different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives. However, despite these differences, believers are called to maintain unity and harmony, treating one another with love, respect, and humility. This unity not only strengthens the bonds of fellowship but also serves as a powerful witness to the world. When the world sees believers living in loving and reconciled relationships, it becomes a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
3. Reconciliation and Restoring Relationships: Reconciliation extends beyond our relationship with God; it also encompasses restoring broken relationships with others. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus emphasized the importance of reconciling with others before offering gifts or worship to God. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 teaches that Christians are called to actively seek reconciliation, whether in marriage, among fellow believers, or in other interpersonal interactions. The pursuit of reconciliation fosters healing, forgiveness, and restoration, aligning with God's heart for harmonious relationships.
4. Turning Sinners Back and Covering Multitude of Sins: As followers of Christ, we bear a responsibility to help those who have wandered from the truth. By gently turning sinners back to the right path, we save souls from the consequences of sin and demonstrate God's redemptive love. James 5:19-20 encourages us that the act of reconciling others to the truth covers a multitude of sins and brings about spiritual healing. Probably extending to our own...
5. Maintaining Holiness and Restoring the Fallen: Maintaining holiness within the community of believers is crucial. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 admonishes that Christians are called to distinguish themselves from those who persist in unrepentant sin. However, 2 Corinthians 2:6-11 encourages us that when a fallen brother or sister repents, forgiveness and comfort should be extended. The ministry of reconciliation calls for discernment and accountability within the body of Christ. While maintaining holiness and upholding biblical standards are vital, it is equally important to extend grace and forgiveness to those who repent. Christians are called to discern between those who persist in unrepentant sin and those who genuinely seek restoration. By practicing discipline in a spirit of love and restoration, the aim is not to cast out individuals but to bring them back into a healthy and reconciled relationship with God and the community. It is vital to reaffirm love, preventing excessive sorrow that could lead to further harm. By upholding holiness and offering restoration, Christians guard against the schemes of Satan and preserve the integrity of the body of Christ.

The mission of reconciliation lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers are called to reconcile with God and play an active role in reconciling others to Him. Additionally, fostering unity and restoring relationships within the body of Christ is integral to living out the Christian mission of reconciliation. By embodying forgiveness, extending grace, and pursuing unity, Christians reflect the transformative power of God's love and contribute to the healing and restoration of individuals, families, local churches, and communities. May we, as ambassadors of reconciliation, embrace this mission wholeheartedly and bring about God's intended unity and restoration in our lives.

Next: Spiritual Weapons