February 2022 Monthly Letter
I am often asked, “What is reconciliation?” That question brings me back to the time when I was asked to go to Dallas, Texas to participate in a reconciliation workshop with another pastor and my wife. I, too, asked, “What is reconciliation?” After that weekend, I knew the answer to that question. On the way home, my wife told me, “This will not be the last time you will be doing this.” Here we are 25 years later.
In our end-of-year Board meeting we discussed the need for reconciliation and how to share the importance of it. One of our members mentioned that reconciliation is a life style. Everyone in the meeting agreed.
Many years ago, there was a show on television called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The show featured the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy entertainers, athletes, and socialites. It gave the audience a clear impression of the way these people lived.
Some of our readers have expressed how reconciliation has become their “lifestyle.” We would like to share their comments with you.
In our daily interactions, we have no substantial issues with our neighbors but that doesn’t mean there not any undercurrents of concern. We try to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, sharing time and physical sustenance as the occasion arises. This includes helping others as we can, especially our children and relatives who struggle with a variety of issues — monetary, marriage, family ancestry, health, loneliness, grasp of spiritual things, etc. And when help is offered to us, we accept it graciously, giving thanks to God in all. Individual discussions or small group discussions about the gospel of Jesus Christ are always uplifting, whether they take place in our home, on the phone, utilizing texts, emails or other social platforms. The actual measure of serving others is occasionally, but not usually, known.
God created the earth and everything in its origin, and said it was good (Gen: 1:25). Then He made man in His image and likeness, and said it was very good (verses 26-27). I believe God established the family principle. It reminds me the spiritual principle of the Trinity. In my psychological studies, I learned about a concept called “father void” and the impact it has on our adult human behavior. Reconciliation is not about physical sameness, but spiritual oneness! One of Satan’s primary strategies is to “divide and conquer.” We live and continue to learn more about others and ourselves as time goes by. There is only one race of people — the human race!I remember listening to a speaker at an ORM community event in Pasadena who talked about the distinctions between the colors of roses. Every color is beautiful. The same is true for humans. Reconciliation is truly a lifestyle based on coming together with others and becoming more in tune with God.
As we began another year, we see our country plagued with hate, lack of respect and division. As reconcilers, we will continue to emphasize reconciliation as a core value in our daily lives. We embrace a lifestyle based on respect, kindness, and acceptance, no matter what the other person’s racial background is. We practice serving and helping others, forgiving them when they hurt us. These are things we work on everyday as we strive to become reconcilers. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Thank you very much for your prayers and support for the ministry. Stay safe and healthy.
