Sunday’s sermon continues to resonate in my mind as I ponder the effect of God’s reconciling work in believers.
From the first weeks of my pastorate, many years ago now, until today, I am burdened by those in the church body who are not reconciled to one another. In sincerity (and sinful foolishness) I have had someone ask me, “I love her, but do I really have to like her?” Too many times I have watched people leave the fellowship of the church, asserting while they left that there was no issue of sin or unresolved conflict between us — only to have them return years later to admit, “I lied to you…”
While these kind of broken relationships are a massive hindrance to ministry, yet reconciled relationships may be the very greatest asset to ministry (see Jesus’ own affirmation of this truth in John 13:34-35). It is for this reason that I have often said that I am not so concerned that my children may at times see me in conflict with my wife — so long as I also demonstrate for them the Biblical pattern of confession and forgiveness that is called reconciliation.
So in the church body we do well then to heed Dwight Edward’s warning of “five critical areas in which we must be alert to preserve and maintain our oneness in Christ:”
- An unforgiving spirit toward others.
- Unwillingness to confront those who have sinned against us.
- Unwillingness to reconcile with those whom we’ve knowingly wronged.
- Receiving or passing along gossip.
- Judging other believers over nonessential issues.
Broken relationships will happen from time to time within the fellowship of God’s people. In itself, that event is no disaster — so long as the reconciling work of God is applied to that relationship. This is both our message and our ministry.
Words of Grace 