The Beginning

Reconciliation does not begin with saying, "I'm sorry."  Neither does it end with those same words.  The words of apology mean important and necessary work has already been done.  Long before we go to someone seeking to make it right once again, the hard work of the heart has been done.  It is inside of us that reconciliation begins.  Its beginning is not evident by some visible act.  What is evident is that something started in us which has grown to some expression that is visible.

 

What we would like to say is that it is easy since we are a follower of the One who died on the cross to reconcile all at-odds groups and individuals into one body, but honesty requires it is not so easy.  Knowing what Jesus lived and died to do does not mean that we always automatically and naturally make the right choice.  Sometimes it requires more than human will, but a the hard convicting presence of the Holy Spirit.  Reconciliation may be expressed in verbal work, but it is always heart work.  Reconciliation always begins in the heart.  It must take root in the heart, or it will be blown away at the first burst of difficulty.

 

Our attempt to be reconciled may be rebuffed or rejected and as this happens the reasons for the brokenness in our past may once again find fertile ground.  What is often forgotten is that another's response to our own inner heart work does not have to change the results of that work.  We live at one with another in our heart even though it may not be something which is allowed visibly.  Our reconciliation is not dependent upon the heart of another, it is only dependent upon the heart within us.  When reconciliation in us is nurtured by the Holy Spirit and planted deeply in us, it will enable us to live in peace and without anger or resentment even though the one with whom we seek reconciliation is not yet ready for such a relationship.