Reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:19

           "...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself..."

  Reconciliation is another 'big' word. But it is a free gift given to us. Part of the path to reconciliation is acceptance of the free gift, Jesus, who has provided the way. Our free choice. Our decision. Part of the path is in the evidence in our behavior, such as forgiveness and loving. And it is understanding that there is a two fold (mine) interpretation that infuses reconciliation with both a spiritual standing as well as a behavioral purpose..

  First we are reconciled because we were loved so much that from the beginning God was placing His plan in action so that we could have the free choice and opportunity to be reconciled. Ephesians 2:4-5 tells that because of God's love for us:
          "...even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together
           with Christ (by grace you have been saved.)
Romans 5:11 reinforces this belief when Paul says,
          "...but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
           through whom we have now received the reconciliation."
This should put a period on what the reconciliation is based in - faith in Jesus.

  But reconciliation is also far more that just our salvation because,
          "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
           were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf,
           be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Obviously then, we have the assignment as ambassadors in the world in which we reside. This impacts our words and our actions if we are to fulfill this role. How? What to do? say? Demonstrate and share the word of reconciliation where and when we can. Colossians 1:20 - 21
          "...and by Him (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself (God),
           whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace
           through the blood of His cross.
           ... and you who once were alienated and enemies... yet now
           He has reconciled..."  

  We have a message for the world. That they are loved, they are reconciled, they having a calling - it's their choice. They only need to have faith and be willing to accept the gifts given...and to become a gift to others.