Restorative Justice | Thursday | 9/10

Reconciliation Is Not Permission

Romans 12:17–18

Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.

If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Those words contain an important qualification:

If it is possible.

Jesus takes reconciliation seriously, but Matthew 18 is also realistic. Sometimes a person refuses to listen. Sometimes repentance doesn't happen. Sometimes trust cannot yet be rebuilt.

Christian forgiveness does not require remaining in an unsafe relationship. Grace doesn't mean eliminating consequences. Reconciliation doesn't mean abandoning healthy boundaries.

There is an important difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

Forgiveness can be offered by one person.

Reconciliation requires two.

And restoration requires even more: truth must be faced, harm acknowledged, and something that was broken must actually begin to be repaired.

We can pursue reconciliation without controlling whether another person receives it. We can forgive without pretending nothing happened. And sometimes establishing a boundary is not a failure of love but an expression of wisdom.

Our calling isn't to manufacture reconciliation at any cost.

Our calling is to faithfully pursue peace, truth, justice, and love.

Reflect

Have you confused forgiveness with pretending that something didn't happen or removing necessary boundaries?

Pray

God, make me a person of reconciliation without making me a person of denial. Give me grace to forgive, courage to tell the truth, and wisdom to establish healthy boundaries when they are needed. Amen.