Reconciliation Is A Process. Hang In There.

Psalm 34:13
​Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.


When it's safe, healthy, and possible, reconciliation is a good thing. Through the eyes of the world this may sound utterly incomprehensible in the context of gross pain and disrespect between parties. And sometimes when I think about it, I find it baffling. It is, however, very much like ELOHIM and very much like the ways of the kingdom. Heavenly Father gave His only begotten Son so that the world can be saved. And before the foundation of the world the Lamb was slain. This proves God’s commitment to reconcile the world back to God. The LORD desires that all citizens of the kingdom of God operate in the ministry of reconciliation.

My process of walking out the ministry of reconciliation has been challenging. 

At first, when the LORD began to speak to me about reconciling with a particular person, I was resistant. I began to pray more concertedly for my heart and the heart of the other person because of the resistance that I felt. I stared hearing messages about reconciliation, so I opened my heart to it. After a few months, a meeting was scheduled to foster reconciliation. I attended the meeting and did my best to listen well, stay present, and speak the truth. There were a few moments when some things were said that I found inaccurate and insensitive. I was proud of myself for confronting a few of the statements head on with honesty and speaking truth at the table. Since then I have reflected on some of the things that were said that I found inaccurate and insensitive and asked God for clarity. I'm still in the process of understanding God's heart and ways to live out the ministry of reconciliation that I'm called to. 

I am called to help people thrive after trauma and loss. I have experienced harrowing trauma and loss so I understand the nuances of recovery when there are many external and internal forces trying to silence you and keep you bound. For me to be effective in helping others thrive, I must speak truth and avoid deceit and evil. I must also avoid secrecy and silence. I have asked ELOHIM for wisdom and grace to speak so that I will be effective in tearing down obstructions and building up healthy boundaries. I have an idea of what reconciliation means. Part of me does not want to repair something that I did not break. Part of me feels justified in keeping my distance and not avoiding any moves of reconciliation. Still, I know that this is not the example of the LORD Jesus Christ and I desire to follow Him. I recognize that the power of my words and thoughts are key in this. And so I hold on to God's hand and fix my gaze on the LORD as Adonai heals my heart so that I can receive the wisdom of Holy Spirit to love like Jesus in the ministry of reconciliation. 

Prayer:
Adonai Shamma, I come to You in the Name of Jesus Christ. I honor You and bless Your Name. Your purity and justice amaze me. Your commitment to reconcile the world back to You through Jesus Christ is the only thing that is truly awesome. I pray that You continue to soften the hearts of everyone that You’ve called to reconcile. Some of us have petty issues that need to be reconciled and others of us have significant offenses that must be forgiven and new normal patterns to establish. If You do not help us, we will not succeed in reconciling. Help us to give up our right to be offended. Help us to love well and receive love. Heal us completely, God. Give us the abundance of Your love which casts out all fear. We put our trust in You alone. Amen.

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​written by Myrina K. Robinson
Duke Divinity School MDiv 2022
Guest Blogger for BWET Blog ​