Here’s a brief walk with some material on reconciliation by Walter Wink.
Reconciliation is more than forgiveness, however. Forgiveness can be unilateral; reconciliation is always mutual. Reconciliation…requires that I and the other person, from whom I have been separated by enmity, mutually forgive each other and walk into a common future together. Forgiveness is thus a component of reconciliation, but only a first step. We may forgive our enemies in our hearts, but reconciliation requires that we pick up the phone or meet face to face and try to work things out.
It is no wonder that acts of reconciliation make for peace. The two sides work to create a common ground upon which the future may unfold without the threat of retribution over a past that was broken or corrupt. As you would expect though, reconciliation sounds like it takes time and energy. I would also say that it takes vision and that may be the biggest stumbling block and the greatest gift. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are inspired to see beyond our own wants and to anticipate what can come at the other end of brokenness. Then, the work can really begin – the work of peace making.
Connection: We are called to be ministers of reconciliation. That is a daily adventure that demands our complete devotion and attention in the midst of all the routines of the day.
By you Holy Spirit Lord, make us a people who are able to move beyond the way we want the day to take shape and inspire us to walk in the ways of peace so that our lives and our world may be a part of your life-giving Reign. Amen
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