It's easy to divide, disconnect, and isolate in today's culture. But God has other plans and ideas for how we are to relate to one another. He calls us to peace, reconciliation, and a life of joy through rightly relating to one another. Here are 6 important truths the Bible teaches about this important topic.
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1 Freely you have received, freely give
The Bible teaches that because we've experienced reconciliation in our relationship with God, he expects us to do the same in our relationship with others. Jesus taught, "freely you have received, freely give." You've been reconciled to God despite all your faults and failures, therefore you have to offer that same reconciliation to others. It's how God is revealed.
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2 Every wall that divides has been broken down at the cross
Every wall, division, distinction, and difference between people has been dealt with and done away with at the cross of Jesus. Nothing stands in the way of God and us and nothing stands in the way of you and others in Christ. Ephesians 2:15-18 says it like this,
His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
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3 Many parts make up one body
The Bible teaches that just like there are many parts to a body and each part has an essential part to play, so in Christ, we are a part of a body and every part needs to do its job and has a part to play. If one part is broken or missing the body isn't going to function. Therefore by nature, there can be no divisions.
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4 Communication is key
Reconciliation doesn't happen without communication. Open, honest, truthful communication between 2 people can make all the difference.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." - Jesus
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5 Friends help
If at first, a talk between you and another doesn't work, bringing a friend with you can hold both of you accountable and produce the kind of reconciliation God is after.
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6 Reconcile before worship
God commands us to reconcile with people before we worship God. How can we love God who we don't see if we can't love people who we can see? (1 John 4:20) Our faith is proven genuine when we live it out in the midst of others.
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