Friends of God

Another concept that some Christians fail to embrace, is that we are friends with God. Through the life and actions of Jesus, we are restored into this amazing friendship. Read what Paul has to say on this matter:

"For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." - Romans 5:11

In my personal opinion, coming to this realization should completely change our relationship with God. Just has we would love and respect our best friends, so we should do the same with Jesus. Likewise, we can also know that he will treat us as a genuine friend.

John 15:15 - I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

Thought: Is this easy for you to accept? What makes you struggle to see yourself as a friend of God?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Reconciliation - being willing to forgive

 

On this day, the 16th December, we mark a day of Reconciliation in South Africa. Although many people simply enjoy the day as a public holiday, it is important that we remember that this day has a tragic history. 

The day of Reconciliation has roots in hatred, violence, division and brokenness. And in order for us to be willing to move forward as human beings, we all need to acknowledge the pain we have been a part of - once we do this, we can start to heal and see real change in our land. Sadly, this is not something that happens over night - it will take generations of people, all willing to love extravagantly and to work towards peace.

As Christians we have the best role model to help guide us towards being reconciled to one another. Jesus sought to bring true peace and reconciliation between humanity and God. 

Proverbs 14:9 - "Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."

"Reconciliation requires changes of heart and spirit, as well as social and economic change. It requires symbolic as well as practical action." -  Malcolm Fraser

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Reconciliation

Our Lenten devotion comes from the pen of Mr Bill Griffin this morning. Thank you Bill for your contribution.

As I write this (on 14 Nov. 2020) I am thinking of the bombing of Coventry Cathedral in North England on this day exactly 80 years ago. Only the walls and shattered shell of the once beautiful place of worship remained. But .... from the ashes arose not only the magnificent new cathedral, but also a wonderful  ministry of reconciliation which seeks each day to bring harmony into our chaotic and unforgiving world. Instead of recrimination, forgiveness. Instead of retaliation, restoration. Instead of hate, the embracing love of Jesus.

Stretching out his encompassing arms on the cross, Jesus prayed "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." How his Saviour heart must grieve as the world he loves continues to distance itself from him, resulting only as it does in strife and degradation.

In 2 Corinthians 5.19 we read that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. J.B. Phillips renders this verse - "God in Christ was restoring the world to himself, no longer counting our sins, but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message He has given us to tell others." How effective are we His people in telling and living out this awesome reconciling action of God, in these times?

From the smouldering debris of the cathedral, someone unknown propped up two pieces of blackened rafters in the form of a cross, and wrote in charcoal on the scorched wall the words "Father forgive." Just those two words. You may see them there today - a deeply moving experience.

'Father forgive. Forgive my prejudice, intolerance, self centredness, greed, indifference and unlovingness. Supply in full measure your Spirit who reconciles and unites people everywhere in the love of Christ.' Amen.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Being Reconciled

We tend to forget that God's deepest desire is to reconcile us to himself. God doesn't delight in staying angry with us and nor does he withhold his mercy from any of us.

"Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy." - Micah 7:18

Of course, there is also a part we need to play in responding to God's overtures of Grace. When we are reconciled to God, we should also seek to be reconciled to others. As John pointed out - we can't say we love God, whom we haven't seen, when we hate those who live among us (1 John 4).

What does reconciliation mean for you today?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Reconciliation - Advent Word

The 16th December is known as the "Day of Reconciliation" in South Africa. This day has a long history in our nation, but this new name seems appropiate, especially in a world where there is so much brokeness and hurt.

This Advent season we remember that Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to our Heavenly Father and to each other. May we find the resolve to forgive those who have wounded us and the humility to turn to Jesus.

Romans 5:11 - "... but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Be Reconciled

On the 16th December we celebrate a "Day of Reconciliation." Considering our history as a nation it is a very appropriate day for South Africans to remember. We are still very divided as a nation, but in many ways we are learning to respect and love all people - it is just taking a long time!

In my opinion, we can never fully be reconciled to another human being until we have grasp how God has chosen to be reconciled with us. We love, because God first loved us.

"Christian faith is... basically about love and being loved and reconciliation. These things are so important, they're foundational and they can transform individuals, families." -Philip Yancey

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! - Romans 5:10

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: - 2 Corinthians 5:18

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Remember that this Advent season is about Jesus offering us a chance at being reconciled with God.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Reconciliation

Today we celebrate the 'Day of Reconciliation' in South Africa. Despite it's political history, this day can be an amazing opportunity for all people to practise the biblical concept of 'Reconciliation.'

2 Corinthians 5:18 - 20
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... we are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

In these verses we are encouraged to:
1. Remember that God chose to reconcile us to himself, through Jesus Christ.
2. Continue the ministry of reconciliation - i.e. Be Christ's ambassadors in helping us to be reconciled to each other.
3. Get back into relationship with God, if we have broken ties with Jesus.

So how are you doing as a 'minister of reconciliation?'

Reconciled through Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. Thanks to www.thumbs.dreamstime.com for the photo.