Reconciliation: A Second Chance
Reconciliation is defined “…as the act of bringing people together to be friendly again or coming to an agreement”.
We all need reconciliation in our lives, whether it be in a relationship with a spouse, friend, family member, coworker etc. Looking at the global and political climate, reconciliation between political parties, countries, races, and cultures are desperately needed. But there is one relationship in which all of us need to replenish, even if we think we don’t need it.
A few years ago, I was in serious debt. I used to think that everything would be fine if I played my cards right. Unfortunately, this led to the accumulation of even more debt which I just could n’t pay off. About that time, I was very fortunate to be introduced to someone who knew about my situation all too well and claimed he could help. Since I didn’t know him particularly well I had to take some time to know him before looking to him for help. I spent time chatting to him and reading about his career, background, and life. Little did I know that he had already paid off my debt (without me even knowing) by selling something which was most precious to him. I could not believe this insane charitable and selfless act of Love from this one individual who took me straight out of debt. His only request? That I tell others about this gracious act and that I never forget what he did. Ever since that day he took me out of my debt, we have become friends and have built a really strong our friendship by regular communication. This is my own personal example (many will be in the same boat), in which my life before becoming a Christian was full of sin (the debt) which could not be paid off unless I become reconciled with the Creator who forgave my sins by sacrificing Jesus, His Only Son: “For God so loved the world that He sent his one and only Son who that all who believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17). I must stress the important difference between Christianity and other beliefs.
This world views Christianity as a religion, following strict rules and consistent punishment for breaking them. This is intact very far from the truth. In fact, Christianity is about a reconciled personal relationship with God. Just as you would have a relationship with your friends and family, Christians grow in their relationship with God through regular communication, praying (speaking to God), and reading the Bible (God speaking to us). Furthermore, Jesus actually came to abolish religion; he often criticized the religious for the practices they did. All in all, because Jesus took on our debt, we have all been given a second chance if we simply just believe and show the same love and selflessness towards others, just as God has shown the world:
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you” (C.S. Lewis, 1949)
Today, more than ever before I feel at peace, I am happy despite all the ups & downs of everyday life and I feel ready for any challenge the world can throw at me – perhaps you could suggest I have been restored? How ironic, that the Latin for reconciled, ‘reconcilio’ – includes that very definition, ‘to be restored, to be repaired, or to be united’. Have you grasped your second chance? You too can know peace and be reconciled in Jesus Name. Don’t wait for tomorrow, pick up the phone and answer the call – Jesus is waiting with loving arms to embrace you today.
By Charlotte Holliday
