Stories of Reconciliation

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Colossians 1:21-23)

"Over the years, the two men began to break down the walls that divided them and resolved their differences. In the end, they became friends." That is a line I hear over and over again at the end of some documentary about athletes, men of purported greatness, men of actual greatness (Thomas Jefferson and John Adams), or some other combination of men who are known to us for some reason. Bitter rivals on the field of play who learned their were some things bigger than them (and their egos), our hearts are warmed by stories like these.

What makes us like stories of reconciliation? Two aging men who finally see the relationship is more important than the issue that divided them. We smile and say, "That's touching." Maybe it's our own reconciliation story that causes us to see something of ourselves in others.

Reconciliation writes great stories, songs, and poetry, so it touches us deeply. "Amazing Grace" is just such a hymn dedicated to God's unfathomable love for His creation to the point of saving it (and us) by the ultimate sacrificial act. Paul says we were "once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil." Our hearts are filled with toxicity through sin, and our wretched lives are saved through God's plan of reconciliation. This presents us "holy and blameless and above reproach before him."

Paul does express a hope through that reconciliation and a hope to remain firm and resolved in that gospel message, pointing us to mature in that faith.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, we give thanks to you for your plan of reconciliation. We ask that you send your Spirit to help us to be steadfast and continue in the faith you have given us. We pray we share the gospel message with others who want reconciliation as well. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.