Daily Power #56

God . . . reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18)

Both as a pastor and as a dad, I’ve learned that much of what I’m called to do is resolve conflict and help people love each other better. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you have the same calling. You don’t have to be a politician or Nobel Peace Prize winner to be in the business of reconciliation.

Unfortunately, in our world today, there are plenty of individuals, groups, tribes, and nations at odds with each other. We don’t have to look far to find certain people who take a combative stance against almost everyone they encounter. Maybe you even feel this way sometimes yourself—I sure do.

But God is in the business of forgiving, reconciling, and healing. Having been at odds with us because of our sinfulness, our Father knew that the only way to reconcile with us permanently was to pay our debt once and for all. And that’s what Christ did for us—he is the ultimate mediator, bridging heaven and earth, fulfilling a penalty we could never pay.

As people who bear the image of Christ, we must seek to reconcile those around us. Whether in the boardroom or the classroom, at home or at church, we bring God’s peace wherever we go. And God’s peace reigns supreme.

Power Lift

Father, I long to reconcile people in conflict the same way you do. Provide me with the strength, courage, and wisdom to bring peace to everyone I encounter today.