May 15
The Ministry of
Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
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 people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Daily Steps
When a new believer seeks peace in their relationships, this verse provides a profound sense of purpose. Our effort toward harmony is not merely a behavioral choice, but a divine calling: we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.
The peace in this calling is rooted in your identity and mission:
The Foundation: "God... reconciled us to himself through Christ." The peace we have with God is entirely a gift, based on Christ's work on the cross. God initiated this peace, not "counting people's sins against them." This truth is the source of all our relational peace.
The Mission: Because we have been reconciled, we are now given the "ministry of reconciliation." Our life's mission is to share the message of peace and forgiveness with the world and to be agents of healing in fractured relationships.
The Authority: God has "committed to us the message of reconciliation." This gives weight and spiritual authority to our acts of peace-making. When you seek to reconcile with a friend or family member, you are acting as an ambassador for Christ, who is the ultimate Peacemaker.
Your relational peace is secured by embracing your identity as a reconciled peacemaker. When you make peace, you are simply reflecting the foundational truth of your faith, bringing harmony to your relationships and joy to your soul.
Reflective Question
How can you act as an ambassador of reconciliation in a specific relationship today? What message of grace (not counting a past sin against them) can you extend, trusting that this act of peace-making fulfills your divine ministry?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that You reconciled us to Yourself through Christ, not counting my sins against me. I pray for the courage to embrace the ministry of reconciliation You have given me. Help me to be Your ambassador of peace today, sharing the message of grace and actively seeking harmony in my relationships. May this mission secure my peace. Amen.
