The Ministry of Reconciliation

The Ministry of Reconciliation

The Power of Words to Transform Lives and Communities

Introduction

Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." The ability of words to either construct or demolish is significant and undeniable. This principle is beautifully illustrated through the life story of Thomas Edison. 

Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, didn't always seem destined for greatness. When Edison was a child, he was removed from school because his teachers thought he was too slow and had a learning disability. Edison's mother, a former schoolteacher herself, didn't believe these harsh judgments about her son. 

One day, after Edison was expelled from his school, his mother received a note from the teacher. Edison handed it over to his mother and asked her to read it out loud. His mother's eyes teared up as she read: "Your son is a genius. This school is too small for him and doesn't have enough good teachers to train him. Please teach him yourself."

Edison's mother did exactly that, schooling him at home, nurturing his curiosity, and encouraging him to learn through experimentation. Many years later, after his mother had died, Edison found the note his teacher had actually written: "Your son is addled [mentally ill]. We won't let him come to school anymore." “Addled” also means rotten when speaking of eggs.

Edison wrote in his diary: "Thomas Alva Edison was an addled child that, by a hero mother, became the genius of the century."

A single encouraging word from his mother not only changed the trajectory of Edison's life but also contributed immensely to the world of inventions and technology. We owe many of our modern conveniences to Edison, including the electric light bulb and the phonograph (record player), all because of the power of encouraging words.

The Potential of Words: A Double-Edged Sword

Proverbs 18:20-21 tells us:

20) From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. 21) The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Every day we encounter the choice to speak life or death over people and circumstances. Negative words can propagate a cycle of shame and defeat, pushing people further away from their God-given purpose. Alternatively, words of encouragement and affirmation can serve as a balm for broken spirits, aligning them with God's divine plan.

The Role of Reconciliation in the Christian Life

In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, we find:

16) So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20) We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reconciliation Defined

The term 'reconciliation' originated from the world of banking, where it is used to ensure that the money leaving an account matches the money that was actually spent. This financial metaphor underscores how our lives should be a true reflection of God’s intentions.

The Importance of Divine Perspective

A key to effective reconciliation is not to view anyone from a worldly perspective. When we align our view of ourselves and others with what God says, we unlock the potential for transformation and reconciliation. This alignment echoes God's ultimate statement in Heaven about our lives and destiny.

Two Phases of Reconciliation in a Believer's Life

Your Destiny: A Statement Written in Heaven

Scripture is clear that God has a unique destiny for each person. Psalm 139:13-18 paints a vivid picture of God’s intricate design and planning for our lives. He knew us before we were formed, and He has incredible plans for each of us.

Affirming God’s Intentions Through Blessings

Words of blessing can align people with God's plan for them. Scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 9:8, and Romans 8:28, express God's heart for our welfare, spiritual blessings, and divine purpose.

Steps to Reconciliation: Ministry Tools

The Dynamics of Reconciliation: Where Do You Stand?

In any community that is in need of reconciliation, the response to reconciliation tends to follow a bell-curve pattern:

Conclusion

The ministry of reconciliation is not just for a chosen few; it is the call of every believer. When we engage in reconciliation, we step into alignment with God’s kingdom plan: "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." The absence of reconciliation leaves a void, a tragedy that we must strive to avoid. Through the power of words, informed by divine perspective and propelled by love, let us be catalysts for transformation in our homes, churches, and communities.