Definition of Reconciliation:  To restore a broken relationship to friendship and harmony.

 Reconciliation is one of the core behaviors of the Christian life.

Jesus said :  God’s children will be blessed because they are reconcilers.  Matt 5:9-- God blesses those who are peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Jesus said :  Reconciliation is an essential element of believers’ character.  Mark 9:50 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." NIV

Jesus said :  Reconciliation is a prerequisite for worship.  Matt 5:23-24 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. NIV

Paul said:  Reconciliation is at the heart of Christian ministry.  2 Corinthian 5:11-21

Notice:  Reconciliation is hard work. (v. 11)  Reconciliation requires submission to Jesus (v. 14a)

Notice:  Reconciliation requires commitments  to the life of the new birth (v. 14b, 17)  unselfishness (v. 15)  to a divine perspective

Notice:  Reconciliation requires acceptance of the God- given task (v )  To reconcile the world to God (v. 18)  To be God’s representatives, spreading His message of reconciliation (19-20)

Kinds of Reconciliation  Divine reconciliation  God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus.  Personal Reconciliation  We reconcile ourselves to one another.

Kinds of Reconciliation  Cultural/Racial Reconciliation  My people reconcile ourselves with your people.

One Verse  Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!  Ps 85:10

Truth  Truth: Acknowledgment, transparency, revelation, clarity, accountability, vulnerability  Unless the parties are open and honest with each other, true reconciliation cannot be had. Confession is a critical aspect of truth.

Truth  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.  Ps 89:14

Unfailing Love  Unfailing Love - Chesed-- Mercy: Forgiveness, compassion, acceptance.  Unfailing love involves the idea of grace. But love apart from truth is superficial. It needs truth as its companion,

Unfailing Love  “... then God will establish one of David's descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right.”  Isa 16:5 

Justice  Justice: Equality, right relationship, making things right, restitution, fairness  Without attempts to restore dignity and equality, the brokenness created by the conflict continues to fester.

Justice  “ His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” Isa 9:7

Peace  Peace: Harmony, unity, well-being, security, respect  Peace is the prevailing atmosphere of security and respect between all parties. Without that atmosphere, suspicions and fears reemerge.

Peace  The name Melchizedek means "king of justice," and king of Salem means "king of peace." 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. Heb. 7:2-3

Two Stories  Unfailing love and truth  John 8:1-11  Righteousness and Peace  Luke 7:36-50