It’s emotionally and physically draining to be at odds with someone. You can’t get that person off your mind. You toss and turn at night, wondering what went wrong. A dark hue seems to follow you wherever you go. But sometimes by God’s grace, a path is opened miraculously, and words of contriteness, forgiveness and love begin to flow again with the person who was once so distant. Reconciliation has given you new life. Few emotions are more exhilarating.
For the past nine years, I’ve participated in an interfaith group comprised of Christians from my church and Muslims from a local mosque in the Chicago area. We do a number of activities together, serving our community through joint humanitarian projects. We celebrate Ramadan with them. They celebrate Christmas with us. Deep friendships have been forged through our time together.
At the heart of our exchange is a small group studying our holy books together. We call this group a “Community of Reconciliation.” Our premise is that great healing needs to take place between Christians and Muslims today. Fear, misunderstanding and stereotyping often dominate feelings between these two faiths. But through honest and open exchange, we’re now experiencing great love and respect for our Muslim friends, and they feel the same towards us. We feel the presence of Christ with us, and so do they!
What part of your life is crying out for reconciliation? With whom are you estranged and unreconciled? Are there fears that distance you from certain people groups or cultures?
Start with God. Being reconciled to Him through Christ gives you the ability to be reconciled to others. The world today is in desperate need of reconciliation and love. It’s waiting for a good word. It’s waiting for you, an ambassador of Christ, to extend the hope of reconciliation.
Follow along with our daily devotional series for the Advent season.
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