Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Word for the Day 
March - 4 - 2014
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Reconciliation
Mathew. 5: 21 - 24
First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. - Matthew 5:24
Reconciliation in the church, families, and amongst all people is key for the body of Christ to be united in both spirit and mind. The meaning of reconciliation is to mend that which is broken or bring a situation or relationship back to its original state/form.
We can look at both the Old Testament and New Testament to understand what reconciliations means from a biblical stance. At the beginning of time, Adam and Eve were united as one with God. The relationship between Adam, Eve, and God was inseparable and was in harmony as they lived. Yet when sin entered into this world through man’s choice, it separated God from humankind. Since this occurrence, the harmony, unity, and oneness of God and His people was shattered and the relationship was broken bringing an unsettled separation. In the New Testament, the Son of God, Jesus Christ was sent to the world to make new the relationship with God and His people. Through the sacrifice of the Son of God on the cross, unity and oneness was restored in a beautiful way.
In the same way, when we reflect on Matthew 5:21-27, we are reminded of the greatest example of reconciliation that was displayed to us and continues to be offered to us every day. There are choices we make or words we say that might bring disunity or separation among us and others. We should offer this type of reconciliation to those around us because even though we are undeserving, God, in His amazing grace, offers forgives and renewal for our life every day.
We may be faced with difficult conflicts between our church family, the persons in our home life, or even those who we interact with at work or school. These conflicts only separate us from each other bringing disunity among those who Christ loves and should live as one body. It is important for us to remember to offer grace and forgiveness to reconcile relationships around us and to remember how we are given grace even when we do not deserve it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for the relationships you have blessed us with and acknowledge that relationship itself is a gift. Because we are sinful in nature, we know that disunity and conflict can arise in our daily lives among Your children. Help us to remember everyday how you restored humanity through our sacrifice and how we should reflect that same kind of love and forgiveness to those who we interact with. Humble us and help us to have a Christ like spirit and mind. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Reconciliation is not an option for those who claim to be Christ followers, but a daily action reflecting the Father’s amazing love for us in our relationships with others every single day.


Betty Vattakkunnel, Trinity MTC, Houston

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