Confrontation and Reconciliation

Few people would describe the process of confrontation as a joyful one, but the reconciliation aspect is one that truly inspires rejoicing. The reconciliation of a sinner to another person or to his church is a mirror of the gospel- Christ reconciled us to Himself.

...bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:13 (NASB)

There can be no reconciliation without the of confrontation of sin. By its very nature, being reconciled means that something has been torn apart! Perhaps sin has disrupted the love relationship between a husband and wife, or harsh words have separated the fellowship of two good friends. It may be a church member who has caused division in the Body and needs to be lovingly confronted. Personal sin brings consequences, and we must take peacemaking seriously enough to go through the steps that begin with confrontation and lead to reconciliation.

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. Galatians 6:1

Yes, these conflicts are often very painful and there is little that feels comfortable about biblical confrontation. However, to allow a Believer to languish outside the fellowship without being approached for repentance and reconciliation is a shame upon the name of Christ. We must pursue reconciliation with those who are at odds with us or with the church for the sake of Christ.

I encourage you to take the steps of biblical confrontation and rebuke and then continue to seek restoration with those who are living in unrepentant sin. Pursue them in love, with care and concern.

To refuse brings the cross of Christ to nothing. We are to live at peace with everyone to the best of our ability (Rom. 12:18) and to love at all times. These are the qualities you will find in the members of a really good church, a church that practices personal peacemaking in its relationships.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (NASB)

This is an opportunity for us to put Jesus Christ on display!  Remember, reconciliation is relational and God is relational!