Christian reconciliation refers to the process of restoring broken relationships and overcoming conflicts between people. It is a central teaching in the Bible and an important part of Christian theology. At its core, reconciliation is about forgiveness, repentance, and renewal of relationships.
Biblical Basis for Reconciliation
The Bible provides the theological basis for reconciliation. Key principles include:
- All people are estranged from God due to sin (Isaiah 59:2). Reconciliation with God is made possible through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
- Christians are called to be reconciled with one another (Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 4:32). This applies to relationships within the church and beyond.
- Forgiveness is essential for reconciliation. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13).
- Unity within the body of Christ transcends old divisions and hostility (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-18).
- Reconciliation requires repentance and changed behavior on the part of the offender (Luke 17:3-4).
- Restoring relationships may involve gracious confrontation (Matthew 18:15-17). The goal is repentance and renewed fellowship.
- Blessing those who have harmed us is an expression of Christ-like love (Romans 12:14).
- Living peaceably with others should be a priority whenever possible (Romans 12:18).
These and other biblical principles provide the framework for reconciliation from a Christian perspective.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
For Christians, reconciliation is both a gift to receive and a ministry to practice.
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God has reconciled humanity to himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). We can be forgiven and restored to relationship with God. This reconciling work of Christ is a gift received through faith.
Christians are also commissioned to practice reconciliation in a broken world. Believers are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing the message of God’s love and the possibility of restored relationships (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Within the church, Christians are to pursue reconciliation when relationships are damaged. Conflicts and offenses are inevitable, even among believers. But Scripture provides guidance for resolving conflicts in a redemptive manner (see Matthew 18:15-17). The goal is repentance, forgiveness, and restored fellowship.
Reconciliation also applies to divisions along racial, ethnic, or cultural lines within the church. Christians should lead the way in overcoming these barriers, modeling the unity that comes through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-18).
Additionally, believers can be agents of reconciliation in society. The church has often provided mediation and advocacy to promote justice and peace. Christians are called to be peacemakers who sow seeds of reconciliation in families, communities, workplaces, and nations.
The Process of Reconciliation
What does the process of reconciliation involve? Resources from Christian ministries that focus on reconciliation provide helpful insight. Broadly, the process includes:
- Confession and repentance. The offending party accepts responsibility for their actions. They express remorse and commit to change.
- Forgiveness. The one who was harmed chooses to pardon the offender. This can be an ongoing process.
- Restitution. Seeking to repair harm and restore what was taken. This could involve asking forgiveness, replacing stolen goods, etc.
- Rebuilding trust. Both parties demonstrate commitment to restoring the relationship. Trust is earned over time.
- Renewed relationship. As reconciliation progresses, the relationship is rebuilt. Communication increases. Fellowship is renewed.
This process applies to reconciliation between individuals, within communities, and across groups. It provides a model for addressing interpersonal and social brokenness from a Christian perspective.
The process is seldom linear. Reconciliation may involve taking two steps forward and one step back. Perseverance and grace are required. But the goal of restored relationships is worth pursuing, even when difficult.
Obstacles to Reconciliation
Christians aiming to live out biblical reconciliation will face challenges and obstacles:
- Unwillingness to forgive. Letting go of bitterness can be difficult, especially after severe hurts. But unforgiveness hinders reconciliation (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Blame shifting. Owning up to wrongs is an essential part of the process. Blaming others blocks repentance.
- Pride. Being unwilling to admit fault or pursue humble repentance stops reconciliation in its tracks.
- Mistrust. If offenses occurred repeatedly, rebuilding trust is hard. Both parties must demonstrate change.
- Desire for vengeance. Seeking to punish the other party undermines the goal of restoration.
- Avoidance. Some find confrontation so uncomfortable they avoid efforts to reconcile.
- Structural injustices. Reconciliation across society can be hindered by embedded inequities.
Persevering through obstacles requires prayer, faith, hope, and love. Christians believe the transformative power of the gospel can bring change to even the most broken situations. But change often happens slowly. Reconciliation is hard work and its fruits may take time to see.
Pursuing Justice and Peace
For some wounds, reconciliation between parties may not be possible this side of eternity. In those cases, Christians are still called to pursue justice and shalom.
Bringing issues into the light through truth-telling and confession can be an important part of justice. Providing restitution to victims and their families whenever possible also signals a commitment to justice.
Even when reconciled relationships are not fully feasible, reducing harm and refraining from further violence are ethical imperatives for Christians.
Additionally, believers can promote social and structural changes that address injustices at a systemic level. Working to reform unjust laws, resolve conflicts, and correct oppression and inequity are important forms of social reconciliation.
While perfect justice will not be accomplished in this age, Christians strive to reflect God’s kingdom values of righteousness, peace, and justice in the here and now.
The Ministry of Reconciliation in the Church
What does reconciliation look like in the context of a local church? Churches aiming to be agents of reconciliation can:
- Preach regularly on forgiveness and reconciliation as biblical imperatives.
- Equip members with conflict resolution skills based on scriptural principles.
- Facilitate reconciliation between members when relationships are damaged.
- Confess when offenses have occurred and seek forgiveness within the body.
- Foster an ethos of grace, humility, and peace within the community.
- Provide pastoral counseling to guide reconciliation between families, couples, etc.
- Advocate for restorative practices rather than punitive measures.
- Train and empower lay leaders to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
Churches that excel at reconciliation have developed both processes and culture to pursue restored relationships. They recognize reconciliation as intrinsic to God’s mission of redemption in the world.
The Ultimate Goal: Redemption and Renewal
From a Christian perspective, reconciliation is ultimately about more than resolving conflicts and overcoming divisions. It is part of God’s plan of redemption and renewal for all of creation.
Humanity’s greatest alienation is from God due to sin. Through the atoning work of Christ, relationships between God and human beings can be restored. This reconciliation with God brings renewal to all aspects of life.
But the work of reconciliation is not yet complete. The Bible promises a future day when God will dwell with humanity in perfect harmony. There will be no more tears, pain, suffering, injustice, or division—all will be made new (Revelation 21:1-5). As ambassadors of reconciliation, Christians today anticipate and participate in that coming redemption.
So reconciliation is not just a human endeavor. Christians believe the power of God is at work to heal brokenness. By pursuing reconciliation in families, churches, communities, and nations today, believers offer hope and glimpses of the reconciliation still to come.
The ministry of reconciliation will find its ultimate fulfillment when Jesus returns to make all things new. Until that day, followers of Jesus are commissioned to embody and proclaim the message of reconciliation in a divided world. They do so empowered by God’s reconciling love in Christ.