The word reconciliation can be perceived as a passive path around conflict. I’ve learned that it is the costliest path through conflict and toward healing. Reconciliation comes at a cost…are we willing to pay it?

In my personal life I’ve recently been reconciled to my dad. Prior to this year I had 2-3 encounters with my dad throughout my life. His decisions and actions have caused great pain in my family. When I received a letter from a man I hadn’t seen in 10 years I didn’t know how to respond. I knew I had every right to be angry and lash out at him. But I had forgiven him long ago when I didn’t want to his decisions to limit my future.

So I reached out to my dad and listened to his story. He shared his life challenges and his remorse for not being in my life. I held none of it against him though I had every right. For me the greatest gain wasn’t his remorse…it was my dad. My dad, with all his flaws and strengths was the greatest gain for me.  Reconciliation comes at a cost…are we willing to pay it?

My faith in Jesus also teaches me a great reality about reconciliation. I believe that Jesus died for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God. The powerful truth of the Gospel of Jesus is that He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). God did not wait for us to agree with Him before He willingly paid the cost of reconciliation. Are we willing to be reconciled to our enemies or those who don’t agree with us? This comes at a greater cost than being reconciled to our friends…are we willing to pay the cost?

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God

through the death of His Son,

much more, having been reconciled,

we shall be saved by His life.

-Romans 5:10