What is the difference between conflict resolution and reconciliation?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 1 - Remember Whose You Are, Question 18, p. 17
When we ponder our relationship with God and the issue of conflict, it is essential to delve into the scriptures for guidance. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 offers this insight: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 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.”
This passage clearly indicates that God’s approach to our conflict with Him is one of reconciliation rather than mere conflict resolution. Conflict resolution implies at best a temporary truce, or a settling of disputes where both parties compromise. More realistically, God could have chosen to damn us all to hell. However, God in His mercy did not choose to do that. He reconciled us to himself! It is a complete restoration of the relationship, rooted in love and grace.
God, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, chose to reconcile us to Himself through the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ. Our sins, which caused the rift between us and God, are no longer counted against us. This divine act of reconciliation is not just about settling differences but about bringing us back into a harmonious relationship with our Creator.
The Gospel promise embedded in this message is one of hope and renewal. Through Christ, we are not merely forgiven; we are embraced as children of God, restored to our rightful place in His family. This promise assures us that no matter the depth of our conflict or the magnitude of our sins, God’s grace is sufficient to cover all.
Therefore, in response to our conflict with Him, God chose reconciliation. He offers us a new beginning, a chance to walk in harmony with Him, free from the burden of our past transgressions. This is the heart of the Gospel – a promise of eternal reconciliation with the One who loves us beyond measure.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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