Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Happy Friday!

Today’s passage of scripture is one that I hope brings you so much hope and joy. We are met with such good new when we read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, because we read about how God, knowing that we could not achieve reconciliation on our own, initiated this ministry of reconciliation!

The Lord did this through the sacrificial love of sending His Son to take our place on the cross. God did not neglect justice or simply ignore the sinfulness of humanity. In the most painful, yet holy act of God, we were embraced by the Father through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Because of this, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are expected to be active in the ministry of reconciliation. We have been given a responsibility. We are called to a life of sacrificial love even if that means laying down our pride and making peace in a relationship.

Extending forgiveness is no longer an option.

Asking for forgiveness is no longer an option.

As soon as we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are called to step into the ministry of reconciliation and all that comes with it.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Take a moment to consider what your next step is in the journey of joining the ministry of reconciliation.  
• Do you need to take the step to accept salvation and become a follower of Jesus? Maybe your next step is baptism. Maybe you've been putting off getting involved in a House Church or serving.
• Maybe you've been struggling with anger and bitterness and need a place to process those feelings. Your next step might even be plugging into a Care Group.
• Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to take our place so we could be reconciled to You. I pray that You teach my heart to be active in Your ministry of reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, amen.