Reconciliation

8-17-22
 
Reconciliation
 
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 12:58, “Try hard to be reconciled, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, who turns you over to the officer, and the officer throws you into prison.”

This verse which uses an extreme case to make Jesus' point,  is an invitation to examine oneself in humility. God wants us to be reconciled with one another – not in a forced way, but in a way that reflects repentance and a change of heart. ‘Try hard to be reconciled,’ Jesus says.

Quite often, both people have something to apologize for in a disagreement, whether it is an action, a word, an attitude, or an assumption. I have found that the most straightforward way, while simultaneously the most challenging way to be reconciled, is to apologize to the person. Give no reason or excuse whatever it is that happened, just a simple heartfelt, “I apologize. Please forgive me.” This can be a hard pill to swallow, but the Holy Spirit is gracious to prompt us with gentleness yet convict us in a way that spurs change. How can you be open to his prompting in your broken relationships today?
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Please pray with me. Jesus, you showed me how to love even those who have wronged me. Please open my eyes so that by your Spirit, I may become aware of my own blind spots. By your grace, redeem broken relationships in my life. Amen.