With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this week, we are reminded that the work of reconciliation always requires wisdom, selflessness, and sacrificial love. It is intentional work, and it is an important one. I served the beautiful community of the Tsawwassen First Nation for eight and a half years, and I learned much from my friends in the TFN community. Deep wounds exist across our nation, and healing and reconciliation ought to be our goal and desire.
Sometimes, pride or shame get in the way of true reconciliation, but the bible invites Christ followers to lead the way to truly meaningful reconciliation. God calls us to participate in the “ministry of reconciliation” by being “ambassadors for Christ,” who gave us a perfect example of reconciliation—"reconciling the world to himself” (2 Cor. 5:18-20). How did Jesus do reconciliation work? He died for the people with whom he wanted to reconcile, not because he did wrong to them but because he loved them (2 Cor. 5:15). He then tells us that his love should control us (2 Cor. 5:14). His love for the world should be an inspiration for us to love others.
When we forgive extravagantly and love sacrificially like Jesus, we become better at reconciliation. When we fight for our own rights and seek vindication first and foremost, efforts to reconcile often stall in a stalemate. Breakthrough can happen when we seek to forgive, lavishly pour out grace, and count others more significant than ourselves. If we all lived like this—following in the footsteps of Jesus—we would see a world that is much better at reconciliation. I pray that our community would learn from Jesus to help our community achieve meaningful reconciliation.
- as seen in The Delta Optimist
Login To Leave Comment