2 Corinthians 5:17-19
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
This is a beautiful gift! He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. So we are restored and have the assignment of ministering reconciliation to others.
Matthew 6:15
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
God takes forgiveness very seriously. He has forgiven us. We must extend the same grace and mercy towards others. When we refuse to forgive, it hinders our growth, prayers, and blessings. It blocks our own forgiveness (which we need daily)! We are called to be compassionate and understanding. We have to be led by the spirit and see things how Jesus would see them. Once we see, we must then do what Jesus would do.
1 Peter 3:7
A Word to Husbands
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
When we are married. We are heirs together. One person’s unforgiveness can block the prayers of the other. We are one flesh and must resolve issues as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary obstacles. God calls us to dwell together with understanding. This takes humility, communication, and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:23-24
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
I’m sure we have all heard the saying that “marriage is your first ministry” or “ministry starts at home”. Well, most of the time it is those that we are closest to that we keep offenses with. God doesn’t even want to accept our offering at the alter until we make things right. How many times have we left our homes in a broken state to go to church? God hears our cries, but He can’t move on our behalf until we move towards reconciliation. Once we expose the offense, reveal the hurt, and offer forgiveness, then God will move in response to our prayers and begin to restore the relationship. Ignoring the conflict is not an option. It will only grow to an enormous mountain that will stand in between you and your spouse. This is why people separate over petty issues. They can’t see past the mountain of offense that unforgiveness has created.
Thank God that He has given us the power to move mountains. I encourage you today to look at the mountain in your marriage. Evaluate what offense created it to grow, and address the issue. Reveal your hurt. Forgive. Pray and watch God do what seems to be impossible!
Father, we thank You for the ministry of reconciliation. Forgive us for not offering the same forgiveness that You have given us. We want our prayers to be answered. We want our offering to be received by You. Help us resolve conflict quickly and not let the enemy to turn offense into a mountain. Help us dwell with our spouse with understanding. Give us compassion. Help us extend grace and mercy towards others. Let our marriage be a ministry that gives Your name glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!