Devotion April 2018 - LPNI

On Maundy Thursday I was struck by all the encouragement to ‘Be reconciled’.  The confessional address in The Lutheran Service Book mentions how the many grapes become one wine and the countless grains become one bread.   Most Lutherans (at least in the United States where I serve) call the Lord’s Supper, “Communion”.  

Conflict is common – in the world, our country, our families and, sadly, in our congregations.  Conflict resolution has become a much-needed. ministry for the church – both for congregations and for members of congregations.   But reconciliation goes beyond conflict resolution.

In conflict resolution, we address the material or substantive issues of conflict.  Examples include issues involving money, property, roles, and structure.  We identify the problem to be solved and negotiate with the other person to resolve them.

In reconciliation, we seek to restore the relationship by addressing the relational or personal issues of the conflict.  Examples include such things as hurtful words, actions, gossip, avoidance, and denial.  Relational issues are reconciled through confession and absolution.  (Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation, 2017 by Ambassadors of Reconciliation, page 17)  

While the church needs both conflict resolution and reconciliation, only the church can provide reconciliation.   

My father and his sister had a feud going on for at least 50 years.   It involved material and substantive issues about their inheritance.   I watched my father suffer physically, emotionally and spiritually, as he could not let go of his anger and hurt.   

Two years ago, my father developed hydrocephalus.  Increased pressure from too much fluid on the brain caused accelerated memory loss, difficulty walking and incontinence.   An emergency spinal tap returned much of his memory in 30 minutes.   But what appears to be permanently erased are all his bad memories.   

Shortly after this procedure our family had a reunion.   We decided it was time for the whole family to gather regardless of what our father thought.   When he entered the room, he saw his sister, came over and gave her a kiss.  They talked for two hours.   I thank God for my father’s memory loss.   He and his sister now get together weekly, just to make up for lost time.  I believe they are reconciled.   It may not have included confession and absolution, but God certainly had his hand in it all.  

Conflict is a major tool of Satan.   Churches, denominations, countries and families are torn apart physically, emotionally and spiritually.  

God provides the tool for all.  We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthins 5:21).  First be reconciled to your brother (Matthew 5:24b).

   

Intentional Interim Pastor Rocky Mease, M.Div., M.A., B.C.C.