Reconciliation is one of the most important aspects of our faith. It is a foundational concept we must all understand to truly grasp the power of God’s grace and mercy. But do we really know what reconciliation is? Do we know what it means to us? To be able to answer these questions we must dive deeper into God’s word to understand the beauty of reconciliation. Let us begin.

Before we dive into Scripture, let’s understand the definition of reconciliation. To reconcile means to restore a relationship, to be reunited, to bring back together. This concept of restoring relationships is beautiful in and of itself, but it is even more majestic when we look at how it applies to our relationship with God.  

We have to recognize the fact that our relationship with God is broken when we sin. Sin separates us from God. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. Isaiah 59:1-2 says, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Our sins separate us from God. Therefore, for the relationship to be restored, reconciliation has to happen.

We must also understand that reconciliation takes both sides, it takes both parties agreeing to reconcile to make restoration happen. God has taken the first step. He gave up His Son to die on the cross to allow for forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:14-15) and, therefore, being able to restore our relationship with Him. Romans 5:10 tells us, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” However, we must do our part in recognizing our sin and admitting we are wrong. 1 John 1:9 tells us this, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our sins, God will forgive us, and our relationship has been restored.

Colossians 1:20-22 tells us we have been reconciled by Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18 says “Christ reconciled us to himself”. Without the gift of Christ coming down from heaven and giving himself up for us, there would be no reconciliation. There would be no restoration of our relationship with God. We would be separated from God completely and never have the hope of eternal life. But praise God for the gift of Jesus Christ that gives us this hope and gives us reconciliation! What a beautiful gift and concept of being able to be reconciled.

Being able to restore our relationship with our Creator is truly a blessing. Reconciliation would not be possible without the gift of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior dying on the cross and allowing forgiveness of sins. But thanks be to God that Christ did do this and we have the ability to be reconciled with God when we sin.