The Ministry of Reconciliation

I, like so many others my age, really love diversity; honestly, I look for it wherever I go. I never want to surround myself with people who are just like me because that limits my ability to grow. I want to learn from men and women, people my age and those older than me, and from every shade on the skin color spectrum. I want to hear from wise people regardless of their relationship, education, or socio-economic status.

Diversity is a beautiful thing, but I wonder if it’s just the starting point.

What if we, as the church, chose reconciliation instead of just diversity?
How could a church full of reconcilers change the world?

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (ESV) 

Reconciliation goes beyond having a token race or gender in a photo, speaker lineup, or video. Reconciliation is rooted in relationships. It’s looking at the things that unite us instead of the things that divide us and choosing to learn from each other instead of giving into disunity.

“…God created: He caused things to be other than Himself that, being distinct, they might learn to love Him, and achieve union instead of mere sameness.” – C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, pg. 156

During a time when the world couldn’t be more divided, the church has an incredible opportunity to step up and be a light. We can show people the ministry of reconciliation that is available in Christ and can choose to live differently. This isn’t something that happens overnight (nothing involving relationships does), but starts with a heart posture of inclusion, kindness, and love wrapped up in the grace that God has entrusted to us. Reconciliation is messy and difficult but is one of the most beautiful gifts we’ve been given.

What do you think about diversity? About reconciliation?

How can you be a reconciler today?

To go Deeper: Read Err on the Side of Grace, Unity 

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