The Currency of the Kingdom

For Christians, to forgive and reconcile is a choice we can and must make for our Salvation. Jesus tells us this where he says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14–15 NLT) Paul elaborates on this by pointing to the mercy at its heart.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
--2 Corinthians (5:18–19 NLT)

In Corinthians, Paul is telling us that we have been commissioned to continue this work of reconciling with others as part of the broader reconciliation of humanity with God. We are to imitate God’s gracious gesture toward us through the Incarnation through mercy and the work of reconciliation.

This does not we should chase down all our offenders, forgive them, and reconcile with them? Again, as Luke (17:3–4) tells us, we must forgive no matter how grave the offense(s). The author writes that “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Offering blanket forgiveness (which is not mercy at all because we take no risk) and acting as if no harm had taken place perpetuates our distance from God. It is sinful itself. Worse, it cheapens the Grace in the act of forgiveness. This is not forgiveness but the denial of others’ transgressions and our own.

The work of reconciling is problematic because, many times, those we harm and who harm us don’t care enough for the other involved to admit their transgression. We are told in James 5:16 that through confession, healing of broken relationships can take place. James writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” But there is the nut to crack—admitting our fault. This unwillingness to admit our faults—to confess our sin—has been with us since Eden.

Should we attempt reconciliation with everyone? No. It might be harmful and even dangerous to try. If someone is habitually abusive, this might even be counter productive. The same is true for someone violent. Instead, Paul tells us we must live in peace with them if it is possible for you.

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary:If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
--Romans (12: 18–21 NLT)

In Romans, Paul tells us that in cases where reconciliation is not possible, we continue on with our lives. We are to show those who have harmed us the same level of kindness and compassion we would like anyone. We aren't to attempt to force reconciliation or harm them.

Moreover, we must recognize that the burden of reconciliation is on the offender. In Matthew 6, the Lord’s Prayer uses the language of debt: “and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This has nothing to do with earthly finance.

When we harm others, we are indebted to them twice. First, when we take something from them like their dignity. Second when they forgive us; when they show us mercy. Remember that Grace’s definition is a gift we cannot merit and yet one which is freely given.

In the economy of the Kingdom, we are all working toward the goal of Salvation. The currency that matters is not in our pockets but in our hearts. Forgiveness, mercy, confession, repentance, and reconciliation are the coins of this realm. And they are not ours to hoard. Not if we wish to be saved. If we wish that we need to use them wisely.

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