Tomorrow is a national statutory holiday across our nation; it’s more than a day off. On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we are encouraged to remember the many victims of abuse from Canada’s historic residential schools. Since history forgotten is often repeated, let’s take time to remember. We cannot turn back the clock, but we can ensure a better tomorrow.
Truth and reconciliation are two essential priorities in any healthy social setting, be it a nation, a tribe, a family or a marriage. Without truth, we poison our relationships with lies; and without reconciliation, we poison ourselves with bitterness and unforgiveness. Having said that, truth and reconciliation are not easy priorities to live out. They both require courage and grace.
If ever there was an applicable verse for Truth and Reconciliation Day, it would be Ephesians 4:15, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (NIV). Let’s speak to one another truthfully and let’s reconcile with one another lovingly. Truth and love are the ways of Jesus; let them be ours also.
Chuck Swindoll compared Christians to porcupines. He pointed out (pun intended), we need each other, but as we draw closer to each other, we will occasionally needle each other. May I ask you, who are you growing closer to these days? Only when we draw close to others can we practise speaking truthfully and, when required, reconciling our differences with others.
Some people say relationships can be bitter-sweet; I say relationships are sweet-bitter. Sure, we occasionally face bitter challenges, but those are considerably less than the sweet moments we get to share with others.
Want to “grow to become in every respect the mature body of him, who is the head, that is, Christ?” Are you courageous and gracious enough to speak the truth with each other and pursue reconciliation with one another at any cost? Then join a Life Group or consider launching one (www.clachurch.com/lifegroups). Life Groups are some of CLA’s best social settings where you can master how to speak truthfully, and how to reconcile with others whenever required.
To become a truthful People, it will require of us honesty; and to be a reconciling People, it will require of us love – God’s unconditionally forgiving kind of love.
