RECONCILIATION

We must always seek reconciliation:

Do not suffer resentment to ripen into malice. Do not allow the wound to fester and break out in poisoned words, which taint the minds of those who hear. Do not allow bitter thoughts to continue to fill your mind and his. Go to your brother or sister, and in humility and sincerity talk with him or her about the matter.

Whatever the character of the offense, this does not change the plan that God has made for settlement of misunderstandings and personal injuries. Speaking alone and in the Spirit of Christ to the one who is in fault will often remove the difficulty.

Go to the erring one, with a heart filled with Christ love and sympathy, and seek to adjust the matter. Reason with him or her calmly and quietly, let no angry words escape your lips, speak in a way that will appeal to his or her better judgment.

Remember the words"He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins:. James 5:20

Take to your brother the remedy that will cure the disease of disaffection. Do your part to help him, for the sake of the peace and unity of the church, feel it a privilege as well as a duty to do this. If he will hear you, you have gained him as a friend.

All heaven is interested in the interview between the one who has been injured and the one who is in error. As the erring one accepts the reproof offered in the love of Christ and acknowledges his wrong, asking forgiveness from God and from his brother, the sunshine of heaven fills the heart.

The controversy is ended; friendship and confidence are restored. The oil of love removes the soreness caused by the wrong. The Spirit of God binds heart to heart, and there is music in heaven over the union brought about.

May we all practice this and be a blessing to every one we may come in contact with.