A Minister of Reconciliation
By Eddie Smith
God has given the ministry of reconciliation to each person who knows Him. This includes the ministry of evangelism, as we help those without Christ become reconciled to God. But the ministry of reconciliation is first a ministry of unity within the Church.
As we build bridges over those things that separate us, we bring soundness to the body of Christ so the world may believe in Him. Effective evangelism is dependent upon biblical unity in the Church. (See Matt 5:9; John 17:21; and 1 Cor 12:22.)
“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” (2 Cor 5:18-19).
Reconciliation is never accidental nor does it “just happen.” It’s always intentional. It is a priestly ministry to perform. The reconciler in a relationship, as Jesus was when He reconciled us to God, will always be required to pay the price of humility and, at times, even humiliation.
Reconciliation requires an initiator and a responder. Sometimes I ask groups, “Who is responsible for initiating reconciliation? Is it the task of the person who offended another; or is it the job of the person who was offended?” As you might suppose, I get differing answers.
Here is the correct answer.
God always puts the responsibility of initiating reconciliation directly upon the shoulders of the one who would be the closest to Him.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matt 5:23-24). In this passage we see that the Lord will not accept our offering, no matter what it is, if we have not sought to resolve issues with others!
Have you been frustrated in ministry? Have you been frustrated financially? Does it seem that no matter how hard you work or how much you give, there is no breakthrough? If so, consider your relationships. Are you reconciled to your siblings, parents, or your children? What about other family members? How about others…especially those who may have betrayed you?
Until you take the initiative to reconcile those relationships, your gift and service may not be acceptable to God. Think about it.