The Art of NeighbouringSample

Love That Reconciles In John 17, Jesus prays that those who believe in Him may be one, being brought to complete unity. This speaks of relationships that are reconciled, that are not divided, but unified, and marked by the love of God. To reconcile means to “restore friendly relations,” or to “make or show to be compatible.” Prior to the fall there was reconciliation—reconciliation between man and woman and God. There was no division; however, after the fall, and sin came into the world, divisions appeared, and they have only increased over the ages—divisions between families, between groups of people, between different ethnicities, between different cultures, between different ages. Our world is marred by division, and oftentimes, by the media, by politicians and by individuals who add fuel to the fire. But as a people of God living to bring His Kingdom on earth, we are called to love beyond ourselves. We are called to be a people who actively pursue reconciliation not only in our personal lives but also in our communities and our nation. We cannot become complacent, and therefore, complicit in acts that bring further disunity. We are to be a people, who although we look, sound, think, feel, and act differently are unified and reconciled to one another. In swimming upstream let’s endeavor to build friendships with those who are different to us. Let's cross barriers which have held previous generations divided. Let's set an example of the unifying, reconciling love shown to us through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—those who are unique and different in function, but equal in value. Take some time to think about your relationships and friendships. Do you feel you have managed to build authentic relationships that mirror the reconciliation that God so desires for His people? Would the way you think of, act towards, and relate to those who are different to yourself highlight God’s love in your life, or is there room for improvement?