Most of us watched with concern the news of renewed clashes between Israel and the Palestinians. Regardless of any affiliation—ethnic, political, religious, or otherwise—we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, or al-Quds, as it is called in Arabic, which means the holy place. One of our essential guidelines at World Christian Broadcasting is that we do not get involved with politics in our programs. However, we care about people of all backgrounds. We know that Jesus loves ALL people, and we want all of them to meet Him.
One of our recent programs in Arabic is called “Reconciliation is Good.” Surveys show that broken relationships are one of the main struggles for people across all social strata. The program highlights the fact that reconciliation is good for the soul. It presents reconciliation at three different levels. First, reconciliation with self. Many people do not think of this one first. If you are not at peace with yourself, you cannot have peace with others. Have you thought about the verse, “Love your neighbor as yourself”? Well, if you do not love yourself, how on earth will you love your neighbor? Many people “hate their neighbor as themselves!”
The second is reconciliation with other people. The Bible has many verses telling us to reconcile with others. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” (Heb. 12:14); “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.” (Mat. 18:15); “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.” (Col. 3:13)
Which brings us to the third and most important level, reconciliation with God. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:18,19); “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” (Rom. 5:10). Notice that reconciliation was initiated by God, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor. 13:11)
