Devotion 

We Are Reconciled 

Frances Taylor 

From the beginning of human sinfulness, humanity needed to be reconciled with God. But what human was perfect enough to take away the guilt of so many? Only a human being who was also divine could accomplish this. God promised a Savior, but no one expected that the Savior would be the Son of God who took on our flesh, become one of us so that we might be redeemed. We certainly don't deserve this gift as each one of us has sinned. We continually go against God's law and then get into a cycle of repentance, being forgiven, promising to change – which we do for a little while – and then start the cycle all over again. If God has reconciled all people to himself, what right do we have to refuse to reconcile with others who have offended us? Forgiveness is not always easy especially when we are hurt by those who are closest to us, family members or close friends. We all are aware of families torn apart, neighborhoods in turmoil and even nations that are divided. Some of these problems are beyond our ability to change. But what about family or friends? Is it so hard to take the high road and either ask forgiveness or offer it? Neighborhoods can be divided when there is a problem between two neighbors and people take sides. Reconciliation is something, as Paul says, a ministry to which we have been called. If God has forgiven us, we need to forgive others.

Prayer 

Lord, thank you for not treating us as we should be treated but to forgive us. As you have reconciled us to yourself, may we reach out and reconcile others to ourselves. Amen.