Repentance, Forgiveness, and Restoration

Part 4

Repentance Forgiveness and Reconciliation Part 4

June 2024

Reconciliation

To reconcile with someone means we try to restore friendly relations so that we can get along with or have reconciliation with each other. Reconciliation is defined as (1) The restoration of friendly relations. (2) The action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

We see from this definition that reconciliation involves restoring friendly relations so that we can get along with one another. However, the motivation differs between the Christian and non-Christian.

Matthew 5:21-25 that reconciliation should take place as soon as possible. Reconciliation communicates grace and love to the other person and a willingness to restore the relationship. (See Proverbs 10:12, Galatians 6:1-5, and Ephesians 4:1-3, 25, 29-31). That is if both parties want to reconcile. Romans 12:18, encourages us to reconcile whenever possible.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Whereaswe’re commanded by scripture to forgive others, love others and be kind to others; but there are no scriptures that tell us we must reconcile with an offender. In certain circumstances reconciling (or trying to) could lead to violence and putting a person in a dangerous or harmful situation.

We must also remember reconciling does not mean you release an offender from church discipline, criminal penalties, or there is a guarantee of the return of a relationship.

God promises to forgive our sins but He does not promise to remove the consequences from wrongdoings or complete restoration.

The conclusion of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration articles is this. According to scripture we MUST repent sincerely of our sins, we MUST forgive others, but WE DO NOT have to restore broken relationships if hey are of a serious nature.