The transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation

It is hard to forgive. When others have hurt us, when we hurt others, we create barriers in our relationships. It is in these moments that we have a decision, we can seek healing and reconciliation, or we can live in bitterness and hold a grudge. As Christians, we strive to exemplify and reflect the heart of Christ in all that we do. Because we are followers of Him, this radically changes the way we talk, think and react. In all things, Christ calls us to love others. When we love others, we seek forgiveness and strive for reconciliation.

In the Bible, we read stories of broken relationships made whole because of forgiveness and reconciliation. In fact, as broken sinners, where would we be without the blood of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for our sins? We need Jesus to reconcile us for our sins so we can be with God. It is because of Jesus that we can make relationships right and forgive others without constraints. 

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about a lost son to a group of tax collectors and Pharisees.  A man had two sons, one asked for his inheritance early- which showed that he did not honor his father. He took his share and spent it on lavish living. When a famine struck the country he was living in, the son was forced to go to work. His work involved feeding pigs- when Jesus said this,  the Pharisees were distraught as Jews were permitted from eating pork! In his lowest of lows, the son knew he needed to return home. He was willing to become a servant for his father. How would his father ever forgive him? 

As he made his way down the road to his home he saw his father running to him. Verse 20 says, “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”” 

The father was waiting for his son’s return. There was no hatred or anger, there was only undeserving true love! The son got to reconcile with his family and his father forgave him. This is how the Lord loves his people. No matter how far we go, the Father is always welcoming us home with open arms and a loving heart. This is how we are to mend broken relationships and love others. 

Our time on earth is but a second in the timeline of eternity. The Lord asks us to forgive, reconcile and mend.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21-22