2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. Verse 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! Verse 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; Verse 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. Verse 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Verse 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Devotion
God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. How are we to succeed and be good ambassadors? We know that humans are not all knowing and all seeing. Each of us filters the world through our senses and experience. How shall we be agents to reconcile the world?
As I read this passage my thoughts turned to current events. We live in uncertain times with the specter of terrorism and other horrors. Must we always be fearful and untrusting? I wish for leaders who take reconciliation seriously, who leave aside combative arguments and disturbing visions, and who will work for a world where shalom (peace) prevails. Can we find a way to live that helps us fosters understanding towards people we don't like or agree with? I think often of the words we say in church when baptizing or welcoming new members or when blessing special groups: "I will with God’s help."
Prayer
God of loving kindness, help us to be patient and to find joy in the work of reconciliation. We struggle to live beyond our limitations in your new creation and to embody love. Help us to know which actions and thoughts separate us from you. Help us become right with you. Amen.