Through him [Jesus] to reconcile to himself [God] all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood. (Col. 1:20)
Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:20
Children are instructed to say sorry when they have done something wrong. Even when they are aware that what they’ve done is not right, they usually need prompting to apologize. Once the apology is made the child can then resume play or is then praised for doing the right thing. Interestingly, the utterance of the word sorry is often enough to move things along. It appeases the innocent and also frees the perpetrator.
As we grow in faith the Holy Spirit prompts us to do right by others. Many times, our human nature struggles with the idea of letting go of what has hurt us and to forgive. Much more difficult to do at times is to apologize and seek to mend broken relationships. Yet this is what God did for us through Jesus.
The verse speaks of God’s desire to have relationship with us and finding a way to make that a reality. Jesus was the one who made peace between God and humans. Jesus took on our wrongdoings so that we could be free of the stain of sin and dwell in God’s presence. Now the mandate is for us to extend the same forgiveness that was offered to us to others. That will then give space for us to relate to one another in a healthy manner.
Ask God to help you to make peace with others.
Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
