The Trinity: An Inherently Relational Godনমুনা

In yesterday’s study, we looked at the importance of community. In short, we are not designed to be alone, and just as our God is and always has been in community, so too should we be. It is in the context of community that we grow, mature, exercise our God-given gifts, and express our faith (amongst other things!).

One extension of this communal living, and one area in which this self-sacrificing love can be demonstrated by the church, is in the arena of Reconciliation.

Biblical Reconciliation can apply to all kinds of divides between people on a group level and on an individual level, such as reconciliation between genders, races, ethnic groups, nationalities, or other socio-economic categories.

The Church should be the place where social and cultural barriers are broken down. This is because, as Christians, we are to see all other people as made in the Image of God and therefore inherently possessing dignity and worth. We must love all other human beings, living in a process of forgiveness and reconciliation.

For Christians, what unites us is greater than anything that divides us, and thus we are called to be united with and to one another.

Our ultimate example of this Truth is Jesus, who constantly broke through the barriers and cultural customs of the time. For example, He touched lepers (Matthew 8:2-3), healed on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14), defied ethnic divides (John 4:1-26, Luke 10:30 – 37), ate with sinners (Matthew 9:9-13), and taught, healed, and elevated women (Luke 10:38-42, Luke 13:16) amongst others. Jesus was in the business of reconciling people to one another, and to God the Father.

The key to reconciliation is Agape (or unconditional) Love for others. This kind of Love is only possible through the Example and Power of the Trinity. After all, it is only through Jesus that we are reconciled to God the Father. It is only through the Holy Spirit that Jesus is revealed to us as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:26). The Trinity is our Path to Reconciliation with our Creator God, and therefore, as our 2 Corinthians Bible Reference for today tells us, we too are entrusted with “the Ministry of Reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Finish up today’s study by thinking through or journaling the answers to the following questions:

In what ways do you see each Person of the Trinity (the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) as a Reconciler?

Why is the “Ministry of Reconciliation” an important Biblical Foundation?

What role do forgiveness, love, and compassion play in reconciliation?

In what ways does the Trinity’s Role as Reconciler bring hope to our broken world? Think about this on a personal level, a community level, a national level, and a global level.

In what areas of your life do you struggle with reconciliation? It may be individual relationships, or broader cultural categories (such as race, or socio-economic classes). Spend some time in prayer and worship with the Lord, asking Him to reveal to you areas of your life and heart where you need to experience or pursue reconciliation. Ask Him for Grace, and practical steps to move toward healing and growth. Ask and answer the question: How can you actively participate in bringing healing and reconciliation to broken relationships or situations in our world, or in your life?