Peacemakers

I know some people, some famous and others not so much, that seem to inspire arguments and disputes. Everywhere they go people are offended and often even outraged at the actions and/or words of these offensive people. I have to admit, I have inspired my own share of arguments out of my own insensitivity and self-centered opinions. It is reasonable that people avoid these argument inspiring folks.

II Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

Most often the offender is charged with making the first move toward reconciliation after a relationship is harmed. The offender needs to seek forgiveness and make restitution as necessary. In our relationship with God, however, He made the move to restore peace. You see, our sinful nature caused us to reject God and go our own way. We were, in effect, kicking dust in God’s face. But it is God who sought reconciliation with us. He bridged the gap between us by offering His own Son, Jesus Christ, as the peace offering. The blood of Jesus paid the price for our offenses against God and offers us forgiveness, salvation from condemnation, and reconciliation.

God offers us this wonderful gift of reconciliation. But it is up to us to accept the terms of reconciliation by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Until we accept the gift, we are in the unenviable position of being God’s enemies. Trust me that cannot end well. So accept the reconciliation offered by God and trust Him to make you an instrument of peace in the world.