A Community of Reconciliation
As we continue our series, “Reimagining the Church” Pastor Doug will be sharing from 2 Corinthians 5 about being “A Community of Reconciliation.” The Apostle Paul wrote a great deal in his letters about repairing broken relationships and there are three steps that are part of making relationships right: acknowledging where we’ve sinned or made a mistake, seeking or extending forgiveness depending on our role in what’s happened, and being committed to reconciliation. Pastor Doug will look at what this means for our lives and our church.
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A Community of Reconciliation
If you’ve ever had the experience of breaking a bone, you know it’s painful. If you’re fortunate to have access to good medical care, depending on the location and severity of the break, you may need surgery or not, you may need to wear a cast or a boot to protect the bone from further harm while the necessary time passes for it to heal, you may need to undergo therapy to regain strength and function of what was broken. Your doctor might even prescribe something to take the edge off the pain you feel in the first days after the bone is broken. Breaking a bone is painful.
You know what can be more painful than a broken bone? A broken relationship.
It could be a relationship between spouses, between a parent and child, between friends or co-workers, or even between an individual and God, but the pain of a broken or fractured relationship, in some cases can be worse than the physical pain of a broken bone.
Just as a broken bone often takes some intervention and time to heal properly, in the same way, broken relationships may also require some intervention, therapy, and time if they’re to be made right, healthier, and stronger.
The Apostle Paul wrote a great deal in his letters about repairing broken relationships and there are three steps that are part of making relationships right: acknowledging where we’ve sinned or made a mistake, seeking or extending forgiveness depending on our role in what’s happened, and being committed to reconciliation.
There can be no reconciliation between two people or between an individual and God unless the first two steps are taken.
Without being willing to own our part for what’s gone wrong, without asking for forgiveness or an unwillingness to give it, there can be no reconciliation.
The church is to be a place where reconciliation can and does occur and Christians are to be living our lives in our homes and in the world as ambassadors of reconciliation.
In his correspondence to churches, there are two images of the church that are central to Paul. One is the church as the Body of Christ which Pastor Nate preached about last week (Rom. 12:1-21, 1 Cor. 12:1-31 and Eph. 4:1-16), the other major image Paul uses is a community of reconciliation which is found in Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:1-11, and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
Paul writes repeatedly that something amazing has happened in and through Jesus that changes the nature of being human – what God has done through Jesus is reconcile people to God and to each other. This reconciliation has significant consequences for each of us and for the church.
Listen to 2 Corinthians 5.16-21.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This passage invites us into the heart of the Gospel—the ministry of reconciliation. In a world marked by broken relationships, division, strife, and discord, the call to reconciliation is a divine imperative that shapes our identity as followers of Christ and is sorely needed in many of our lives.
Since we’re talking about being a community of reconciliation, it’s important to understand what reconciliation means.
In the New Testament, the Greek word (katallage) translated as reconciliation is used to describe the change from enmity to friendship. It means “an exchange and then a profit from exchange” So where we see the word reconciliation, we can think, a beneficial exchange, in our relationship with God or another person. The word reconciliation comes from the Latin words re- and “concilare,” which mean “again” and “to make friendly.”
Reconciliation means to make friendly again.
From Paul’s perspective, humanity was so estranged from God that a loving God was moved to act to overcome the great distance between us, to reconcile us.
The purpose of this reconciliation through Christ was so that humanity might no longer be strangers and enemies to God but friends and disciples (Ephesians 2:19-20). The reconciliation available in Christ tears down the dividing wall of hostility that separates humans from each other and God. Perhaps we should think of ourselves as being in the demolition business.
A primary task of the church is to tear down walls that separate us from God, from one another, and even our ourselves.
Anyone who accepts this gift of reconciliation receives a new power for living. Through Christ a person becomes a new creation, we enter a new kind of existence and becomes part of a new community called the church.
Once we’ve experienced forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life in Christ, we then have the responsibility of sharing this newness with others through the ministry of reconciliation.
I. The New Perspective (Verses 16-17)
Paul begins by challenging our perspective. “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view.”
This statement forces us to examine how we perceive ourselves and others. We often categorize people based on their past mistakes, social status, external appearances, or how we perceive them to be similar or different from ourselves. Paul tells us in Christ, we’re called to a different perspective.
When we embrace our identity in Christ, we become new creations. The old is gone, and the new has come! This transformation is a complete reorientation of our lives. We’re no longer defined by our past failures, regrets, or the labels others place upon us. Instead, we’re defined by our relationship with Jesus. We also see others in a new way, through the eyes of God, rather than through our own faulty lenses.
Think of John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Newton was a slave trader. He viewed other human beings as commodities to be exploited not as equals. Yet, after coming to faith in Christ, he became a new creation and realized the error of his ways. He dedicated the rest of his life to preaching the Gospel and advocating for the abolition of slavery. Newton’s transformation exemplifies how God’s grace can radically alter our identity and enable us to see others not from a worldly point of view but through the lens of redemption.
II. The Divine Initiative (Verse 18)
Next, Paul emphasizes that reconciliation is God’s initiative. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.”
Reconciliation begins in the heart of God. God is the one who took the first step, reaching out to humanity, despite our sinfulness. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and desire for reconciliation. It’s through Christ’s sacrifice that the barriers of sin are removed, enabling us to approach God with confidence.
As we reflect on God’s initiative in our lives, we’re called to extend that same grace to others. Who in our lives do we need to reconcile with? Are there past or present grievances, misunderstandings, or unresolved conflicts that hinder our relationships? Considering God’s mercy, we’re challenged to accept responsibility, ask for or extend forgiveness, be gracious, and seek restoration.
III. The Ministry of Reconciliation (Verses 18-19)
Paul continues by stating that God has entrusted us with the “ministry of reconciliation.”
This is not just the task of a select few; it’s the calling of every believer. We’re ambassadors for Christ, representing the message of hope and restoration to a broken world. To be an ambassador means to speak on behalf of another.
As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility to convey his message of reconciliation to those around us. This requires us to live in such a way that the transformative power of the Gospel is evident in our lives.
Think about diplomats representing their country in a foreign land. Their words and actions reflect not only their own character but the values and mission of the nation they represent. In the same way, as Christ’s ambassadors, we’re to embody the message of reconciliation.
Our lives should be a living testimony to the power of Christ to change hearts and lives and to heal relationships.
IV. The Call to Action (Verse 20)
In verse 20, Paul implores us to “be reconciled to God.”
This is not a suggestion; it’s a passionate plea. Paul understood the urgency of reconciliation, not only with God but also among us. It begins with a personal response to God’s offer of reconciliation. Have we truly accepted this gift? Have we allowed it to penetrate our heart? Reconciliation is a two-way street.
While God has done His part through Christ, we must respond in faith, repenting of our sins and embracing the grace offered to us. This act of surrender opens the door to a deeper relationship with God, enabling us to fully experience God’s love and forgiveness.
V. The Exchange of Righteousness (Verse 21)
Finally, in verse 21, we encounter one of the most profound truths of the Gospel: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This divine exchange is the heart of our faith. Jesus took upon Himself the weight of our sin, allowing us to be righteous before God. This incredible truth not only assures us of our standing with God but also empowers us to live out our calling as agents of reconciliation.
When we grasp the magnitude of what Christ has done for us, it compels us to share that grace with others.
Conclusion: Living as Reconcilers
We’ve been given the ministry of reconciliation. We’re called to be ambassadors for Christ, demonstrating His love and grace to a world in need.
In a time when division seems rampant, let’s be people who actively seek to bridge gaps, mend relationships, and extend forgiveness. Reconciliation starts within our own hearts, moves to our relationships with others, and ultimately reflects our relationship with God.
At the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway there are exhibits about Dialogue, Listening, and Forgiveness, which are all crucial components to reconciliation and peace.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean accepting or condoning something but rather coming to terms with the past. In formal reconciliation processes, the abusers must be held accountable and those abused must be heard and able to share their experiences.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu received the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his opposition to the apartheid system in South Africa. In 1995, he led the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission which was established to address the human rights abuses that occurred during the apartheid era. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed to uncover the truth about past injustices and foster healing among individuals and communities. Tutu organized the process as a series of dialogues with a stated aim of forgiveness. Victims of violence were given a platform to share their stories, while perpetrators could confess their crimes in exchange for amnesty.
One notable case involved a police officer who admitted to the murder of an anti-apartheid activist. The victim’s mother was present during the hearing. Rather than expressing hatred, she forgave him, saying she hoped he would find peace. This act of forgiveness and the broader efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission played a significant role in South Africa’s transition to a more unified society. What do you need to ask forgiveness for today? What might you need to be willing to forgive?
As we go forward this week, I challenge each of us to identify one area in our lives where we can be agents of reconciliation. It may involve reaching out to a family member, friend, or colleague to mend a strained relationship. It may mean offering forgiveness where we’ve been wronged or seeking forgiveness where we’ve fallen short.
Remember that we’re not alone in this task. The Holy Spirit empowers us, guiding us as we embody the message of reconciliation in our circles of relationship. May we embrace our identity as new creations in Christ, living out the ministry of reconciliation with boldness and grace.
Prayer: Merciful God, enable us to see all we still have in common with someone with whom we may disagree. By your grace, help us dare to travel the road to reconciliation and a new way of living, always being open to the promptings of your Spirit to consider the ways you are calling us to change, be transformed, and renewed in our thinking, speaking, and acting so that day by day and week by week our life may more fully reflect the love, compassion, and Spirit of Christ whose name we claim as his disciples. Hear us, loving, living God, as we pray from the depths of our broken hearts and help us to truly be ambassadors for Christ in the work of reconciliation. Amen
Questions for Discussion and Reflection:
Understanding the Passage
- Worldly or Human vs. Spiritual Perspective: Verse 16 mentions regarding others “from a worldly (NIV) or human (NRSV) point of view.” What does this look like in our daily lives, and how can we shift our perspective to align more with Christ’s view?
- Identity in Christ: In verse 17, Paul speaks of being a new creation. What does it mean to you personally to be a “new creation” in Christ? How does this identity impact your relationships with others?
The Nature of Reconciliation
- God’s Initiative: Verse 18 emphasizes that reconciliation is initiated by God. How does understanding that God actively seeks reconciliation influence your approach to conflicts in your own life?
- Forgiveness: In verse 19, Paul mentions that God does not count our sins against us. How can we practice this kind of forgiveness in our relationships? What barriers do we face in forgiving others?
The Role of Believers
- Ambassadors for Christ: Verse 20 refers to us as Christ’s ambassadors. What does it mean to represent Christ in our interactions with others, especially in difficult situations?
- Ministry of Reconciliation: How can we actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation in our church and community? Can you share any practical ways to foster reconciliation among people who are in conflict?
Personal Reflection and Application
- Personal Experience: Can you share a time when you experienced reconciliation in your life? What steps were involved, and how did it change your relationship with that person?
- Obstacles to Reconciliation: What are some common obstacles that prevent reconciliation in relationships, both personally and in a broader context? How can we overcome these challenges?
Moving Forward
- Action Steps: Based on our discussion, what’s one specific action you can take this week to promote reconciliation in your relationships, our church or the community?
Pray for Reconciliation: How can we pray for each other? Are there situations that need prayer that we can share in confidentiality and trust?