We are called to be reconcilers, not dividers

Bryant Golden Blog

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

You and I have been called to be peacemakers. It is our job to reflect Jesus and Jesus came to bring peace, not the sword. Here’s the thing, when we focus on living out religious plans and rules, we miss people. When we obsess over who is right and who is wrong, we cut ourselves off from Christ. You and I will not find a fulfilling relationship with God until we understand that faith is expressed in love.

In the middle of conflict remember

Pushback is reflex taking over in the midst of conflict. But you and I weren’t called to do what comes natural or what is easy.

In the middle of conflict, acknowledge your own desires. Those desires, when left unchecked, can damage the relationship. To move from division to reconciliation you must own your own crap.

Jesus owned all our sin – past, present, and future. He then offered us a relationship with him. He owned what wasn’t his to reconcile us to God. He’s called us to also be reconcilers. You and I are to love as he loved, to forgive as he forgave, and to show mercy as he did. But we can’t do that until we accept what Christ did for us. Have you accepted his presence in your own life?

Love triumphs

Love always triumphs. It is founded in truth and is intentional in finding the good in the person we stand in conflict with. It pushes us towards empathy. By making peace with others we clear a path in our own lives to make peace with God.

Love is extreme. It bends and moves in the direction of the other person. You have not pursued peace to your fullest ability until you learn to love the person you are in conflict with.

Peace is possible when you have done all that you can do. What is it you need to do today to move towards reconciliation? What piece do you need to own?

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