Restorative Justice | Friday | 9/11

Jesus Is in the Room

Matthew 18:18–20

I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

We often hear those words as reassurance when only a few people show up to church or a prayer meeting.

But look at the context.

The “two or three” have gathered because something is wrong.

Someone has been hurt. Sin has occurred. A relationship has fractured. There may be anger, disappointment, confusion, and grief.

And Jesus says:

I am there.

Christ is present not only when everyone is getting along.

Christ is present in the work of repair.

He is there when someone finds the courage to say, “What happened hurt me.”

He is there when someone finds the humility to say, “I was wrong.”

He is there when forgiveness is offered.

He is there when a boundary must be established.

He is there when people tell the truth without trying to destroy one another.

That means reconciliation isn't merely difficult relational work.

It is holy work.

Jesus meets us in the broken places and invites us to participate in His work of making things whole.

Reflect

How might recognizing Christ's presence change the way you enter a difficult conversation or fractured relationship?

Pray

Jesus, be present in the broken places of my relationships. Give me courage to tell the truth, humility to listen, grace to forgive, and wisdom to seek what is right. Make me an instrument of your restoration. Amen.