The ministry of reconciliation

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

The Bible is a love story about reconciliation between God and humanity. There is no greater love story than God's desire to be reunited with His creation and His willingness to take the penalty for His people's sin and disobedience upon Himself. We are meant to share this great love story since every believer has been given "the ministry of reconciliation."

Reconciliation is about bringing two or more parties together and mending broken relationships. Reconciliation is at the core of the gospel, as sin entered the world after the fall and sin separates our relationships with God. As a result, we became enemies of God (Romans 8:7), living sinful and self-centered lives. God could have wiped out the sinful and rebellious human race since humankind never intended to reconcile with God in the first place nor were we capable of reconciling and redeeming ourselves from sin. 

Instead, God pursues us relentlessly even when we run away. It's crazy love of God to send Jesus as a perfect sacrifice on the cross and bring reconciliation to mankind's relationship with God so that we have forgiveness for sin, life everlasting, and we are brought back to our original and true identity as children of God. Jesus reconciles us to God.

While most believers are familiar with the gospel message, I encourage you to practice and use your own words to spread the good news as God often gives us the opportunity to share the gospel. I was especially inspired by a brother who shares the gospel with passion and courage all the time. In the past, that brother was a wayward prodigal son, but once he met Jesus, he was transformed and equipped to be a minister of reconciliation.

Quite often, people challenged him with difficult questions or even mocked him, but that did not stop him from proclaiming. First of all, he said he has no fear of man. Instead, it is a sign of love and he shares the most valuable gifts with others. Additionally, he used the dumpling theory that a person can't be full with one dumpling. It may take 8-10 dumplings to be full, so even if he were the first to offer the first dumpling or the last to bring people to Christ, that's up to God. In the same way as one person plants, another waters, and God gives harvest. (1 Cor. 3:7) 

The free gift of salvation comes with the responsibility to share the gift with others, as we have been entrusted with “the message of reconciliation”. On behalf of Christ, we implore you to "be reconciled with God”. 

Blessing prayer: Thank you for pursuing us with your love, even when we run away. Help us share your message of love, so more children can reconcile with God.In Jesus' name, Amen.