Every single adult on earth has relationship problems requiring some degree of reconciliation. Britney Spears was recently in the news, reconciling with her youngest son, Jayden, with whom she has suffered years of estrangement. Jayden said about his problems with his mother, “I 100 percent think this can be fixed. It’s just going to take a lot of time and effort.”¹

It took time and effort to bring about a reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers who had betrayed him. Time is an essential part of healing. It takes time to heal from wounds. It takes time to deepen perspective and to better understand the grace of God. But it also takes effort. Joseph and his brothers were able to confess, to forgive, and to put the past behind them.

Do you need to reconcile with someone? Ask God to deepen your understanding of His grace and to give you the time needed to heal and mature. Find compassion in your heart. Ask for a forgiving spirit. The Lord is an expert in the vital art of reconciliation.

God has reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to Himself. Therefore when the Jew and the Gentile receive Christ as Savior, they can be at peace with each other.
Theodore Epp