This Changes EverythingSample

This Changed The Way We Connect

The cross brings reconciliation with God and others, and gives us the power to be forgiven and to forgive. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-11), so that we can be forgiven and are empowered to forgive. We are to be ministers of the same reconciliation given to us at the cross.

The cross has two axes – one up and one across. The cross dealt with the great divide in two areas. Our sin is the divide between God and us (Ephesians 2:1-10) and our hostility, the divide between us and others (Ephesians 2:1-18).

The cross changed our standing before God in life.

We were separated from God because of sin (Romans 3:23-26). The cross dealt with this divide of our sin and removed our condemnation (Romans 8:1). We should look at our own lives and how awful our sins are in the sight of God. Yet, as vile offenders against His law and holiness, He chose to forgive and bring about our reconciliation. If God was willing to do that for us, how much more should we extend that same compassion toward everyone in our lives (Luke 7:41-43, 47)?

The cross changed our relationships with others.

Sin passed to all humanity. Sin is not a moral failing – it is our nature state since the fall of humanity in Genesis, which requires a saviour. This sin distorted and corrupted all of humanity's relationships. The cross dealt with this divide caused by hostility and removed the conflict. We now have forgiveness received, and forgiveness to give.

Christ's love for us compels us to be ministers of reconciliation.

This dual axis is also confirmed in the Great Commission: Matthew 22:37-40. Jesus built the bridge between God and us through His death and resurrection, and in that expression of deep love, we are compelled towards sharing that with others. 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 articulates this dynamic experience of God’s love– living out the cross by being Christ's ambassadors. Paul emphasizes in this scripture, that because Christ laid down His life to reconcile us to God, we take up this cause as ministers of reconciliation; imploring others to be reconciled to God.

Prayer Point:

Thank you for the cross that reconciled my relationship with Father God and gave me the ability to forgive and reconcile with others. Help me Lord to forgive and be a minister of reconciliation to those around me. Open my eyes to see others around me, with your eyes. Help me to share Your life with them, that You change everything.