2 Corinthians 5:20

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.

In the Garden of Eden, man communed and talked with God daily. The the enemy, that subtle serpent, came in and caused separation between God and man. Ever since that day God had a plan to get together again with man. The plan was Jesus. Through Jesus’ life and death on the cross. The way has been made.

Reconciliation (by definition):

1. the restoration of friendly relations.

2. the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

3. the action of making financial accounts consistent; harmonization.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 King James Version (KJV)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

This time around God wants us to choose him, not for himself to be forced upon us.

To this end God has entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to us. Our job is to share this good news with everyone we can. To let the world know how he loves us and wants to dwell is us.

God sets before us all the opportunity to choose life and good, or death and evil. If we choose life and good, and endure, we shall see his face in peace. If we choose death and evil, we will place ourselves on the path to hell. Away from God’s presence forever.

We are to witness – give testimony of what God has done. Anyone can read a book, but personal experiences of victory and triumph are priceless. We are called to be written epistles seen and read of men (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). The very life we live can work to reconcile men to God.

It is duty to be taken seriously. Because our life can draw or repel. It can bring glory or dishonor to God. How? With our mouth we speak one thing, but with our life we live something totally different.

This is hypocrisy. Unfortunately, the “church” is full of it. But God also knew this would be the case. He instructed his disciples to let the wheat and tares (weeds) grow together. In the end, he would separate. This is important to note that God would separate- we are not qualified to judge what is tares, and what is not (Matthew 13:24-30). After all, there was a time when we ourselves could have been described as tares.

We must understand what we do and say does matter. It matters because people are watching us. Our actions and reactions are viewed under the microscope of how the “church” is perceived. We must live up to the true standard of Christianity (followers of Christ). It seems to be a simple requirement – to actually live what you believe. When (or if) you stumble or fall, admit it, repent, forgive yourself, and move on.

We are not perfect!

Rather, we share the gospel (good news) with all. The word of God alone is powerful enough to do what needs to be done in the individual who hears and receives it.

We don’t judge, we pray.

We don’t accuse, we pray.

We don’t throw people away, we pray.

We trust God.

We take him at his word.

We do what he has called us to.

We love.

Loving God means loving his people. Our gift, our calling is for people. We feel their hurt, and we feel their pain. We work to bring them to God, who is able to touch, to save, to heal, to deliver, and to set free.

Together again – our ministry of reconciliation.

This is what the world needs.