Reconciliation
(continued)

By Karin Paparelli

In the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night of his arrest, Jesus prayed to the father that we be in complete unity (John 17:23) Why? That the world might believe that God had sent Him. Sounds simple enough, if we, who are His church, are one in spirit then the world will know that Jesus is who He said He was - the Son of God - the Messiah! So why aren't we in complete unity? What is hindering our efforts to truly be of one accord?

We are a nation that has gone astray, each to his own way. Even in the body of Christ we have put up walls and shut each other out. In competition more often than cooperation. Who's right? More righteous? A good friend, Gus Schuck of United in Christ, says "It doesn't matter if Jesus is on the cross or off the cross, as long as He is in your heart." I like that. That's the one truth that binds us all, isn't it?

We've all heard it's time for the walls to come down between denominations and races, but how do we do that? How do we reconcile after so much pain and distrust? Through the blood of Jesus. We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and in so being we can bring healing to this hurting land.

First we must search our own hearts. "Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven and say 'we have sinned and rebelled.'. . ." Lamentations 3:40-42.

Reconciliation must begin with the individual and then continue with corporate repentance.

Reconciliation is the act of bringing back to friendship after estrangement. God reconciled man to himself through Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus brought us back into friendship with God the Father by his sacrifice on the cross. Jesus calls us to be in right relationship with each other (Matt. 5:23-24) and to love each other as He loves us.

How do we reconcile corporately? How do we love a whole nation of people the way God does? We can pray for the Father's heart. Pray to see what He sees, hear what He hears, love as He loves. The time is now for restoration in our land. There are many who have been battered and bruised. Restoration is possible and necessary if we are to be one. We cannot let grievances and unforgiveness hinder our unity.

Let's begin right here on Long Island. Let's research Long Islands history. Who's been murdered, cheated, exploited, lied to, discriminated against? Restoration begins with acknowledgment of past offenses. We can't erase the past nor should we try to. We need to discover the truth and accept responsibility for the offenses and then earnestly seek forgiveness for them. This is something that flows from the heart, out of love for Christ and each other. You and I represent different people groups; race, gender, ethnicity. How can we let the Lord use this to bring healing? Here's an example: I am a mother and as such I can represent mothers. I can offer words of repentance to those whose mothers may have neglected or abused them. I can identify with that group even though I have not actually been involved in the offense. I have experienced this first hand and have seen God bring restoration and healing. This is the ministry of corporate reconciliation. Think about who you represent. Now how can you use it for the glory of God? Let His spirit lead you. God can and will use each of us to restore the body of Christ here on Long Island. All He asks for is all of you.

Are you in? Are you ready to claim this island for Christ? It is our land, our home, or is it? We need to take ownership here. If you live here it is because God Almighty has placed you here and wants to use you here. Pray for Long Island. Weep for Long Island. Make it your own. It's hard to care about Long Island when you're dreaming about moving south or west or wherever. If you live here, be here. Don't have one foot on the island and the other in Virginia. God is calling those who will commit. How about you?

But be warned! Satan is not going to just hand it over and walk away. There's a battle going on. We should not be so foolish to think that this will happen without a fight. The unrepented sins of the past are one of Satan's strongholds. The bitterness and hatred that come from long festering wounds keep us apart and disjointed. That is right where he wants us. United we stand, divided we fall! So my friends, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Persevere! There is still much to be done. Let's push on toward unity and reconciliation here on Long Island and join our brethren in Christ who are doing likewise around the world.

God bless you and may you walk in his grace.

Thy kingdom come!

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