Reconcilliation through Redepmtion

Recently, our church has been talking about Forgiveness and Reconcilliation. Each week I think "that's great - I get it", but I haven't really had to put it into practice. It really isn't as easy as it seemed while I was sitting in the middle of those sermons. However, this week reconcilliation has taken on an entire new meaning....

I hate how you've treated me. And I hate that I allowed you to do it. But I'm finally understanding what this whole "reconcilliation" thing means.

I love Jesus because of what he did for me. I was nothing. And now, through Him, I am beautifully made and whole.

You were nothing. And now, through Him, you are beautifully made and whole.

And I can still hate what has happened.

But I no longer hold it against you.

Through The Cross, I can love you.

Through The Cross, I can forgive you.

Jesus has redeemed you.

You are no longer held responsible for the way you treated me.

Now don't think this means that we are going to be friends. It doesn't even come close to meaning that. We've been through this before and I moved on. We went through it again and I moved on. A third time. How could I be loving to you if I let this happen again? Change has not happened. But it will now.

It's okay if you don't change. I don't expect you to be what I want you to be.

But I don't have to allow this to continue.

You are loved. You are redeemed. You are forgiven.

And I have changed.

I used to love you because of myself. Because I wanted to love you out of my own personality, character, will.

Now I love you because of Jesus. Because of His personality, character, will.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Our Great Savior

I love reading hymns and digging deeper into their meanings. This one sunk deep into my heart yesterday as I was in the midst of dealing with my own inadequacies.

Our Great Savior
J. Wilbur Chapman

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.