Reconciliation
In this week’s passage, we see the Hebrew word, “shalam,” a total of 14 times. This word means to “amend, and to make good for it.”
Shalam was translated four different ways in Exodus 21:22–22:15. God required those who had wronged their brother or sister to restore, repay, and to make restitution for the damage they had caused to their neighbor and/or their possessions.
God also had a rule for those who were wronged by their neighbor. God required that the wronged not to retaliate, but forgive. They were to trust God with the judgment, and accept the repayment or restitution from their neighbor.
God was teaching his people what it takes to maintain healthy relationships. His people were to repent when they have wronged someone, and to forgive when they have been wronged.
Just like God demonstrated His grace and mercy by providing the people with a pathway to restore relationship with Him after disobedience, He shows the people how to demonstrate the same restitution and forgiveness with each other; by making good for offenses and by requiring his people to be gracious and merciful when offended. This Old Testament principle is still a requirement God has for his people today.
We see in passages like Matthew 5:21-24 that the Lord requires his followers to repent when they have wronged a brother or sister. Repentance is so vital that Jesus tells his followers they are to leave the very altar of God to be reconciled with a brother or sister they have offended. In Matthew 18:15-35, we see that the Lord requires his followers to forgive when they are wronged. Forgiveness is so crucial that Christ said the one who doesn’t forgive won’t be forgiven.
If we are to have relationships that honor our Redeemer, we must pursue reconciliation. When people are in conflict with one another, they must do all in their power to come together for meaningful change. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 lets us know that Jesus reconciled us to himself. He did this by paying the price for our sins that we might be forgiven. And when our hearts were open to his love, we repented of our sins and were brought into right relationship with the Father through the sacrifice of the Son.
But Jesus didn’t just stop at reconciling us to himself. He also gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, he wants us to share this message of his love with all people, to include those who consider themselves our enemies (Luke 6:27-36).
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Questions:
God has proven that he is a trustworthy and just judge. Why is it so challenging to release our right to retaliate and trust God to judge justly?
A lack of forgiveness fills our heart with hate and slowly makes no room for love. How have you seen angry hurt your life, and how are you going to release the hate to make room for God’s love?