The next two Sundays we will be taking up a special offering during church and focusing on the work of reconciliation. We will also celebrate World Communion Sunday on October 2nd which is a day to remember and celebrate our differences held together in the oneness of Christ.

The words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 tell us that we have been called to the ministry of reconciliation–of building bridges to one another as God built a bridge to each of us through Christ Jesus.

Tyre King, Terence Crutcher and
Keith Scott, will not be returning to their families. Their lives have been cut short in a manner that is hard to reconcile. The emerging conflicting reports about that tragic encounter of Keith Scott and police had been a final straw of sorts in this very violent week. The civil unrest that has erupted in its wake, compels us again to think about God’s reconciling ministry in the midst of racial tensions, questions about abuses of police power, and the complexities in which law enforcement officials work each day.

What is intentionally needed here is listening–listening to the voice you readily discount. Jesus spent a large part of his ministry listening to, praying for and healing those society discounted. If you are quick to take sides, consider the other of the side not chosen. Pray for God to open your heart and mind to the other.

This is not to excuse an injustice or glance over serious differences, but it is a step in remembering that we are all created by God and, as such, children of God. God’s love in Christ Jesus has the power to mend and to reconcile.

I once gave a dear friend a cross on the eve of her wedding. It was her second marriage. The first had ended bitterly and left all involved feeling broken and battered.

The cross was formed from bits of broken pottery and the inscription read: “God takes our broken pieces and puts us back together again.”

We are broken in the face of such news and my prayer for Charlotte and for all the places and people struggling with division and strife, is that the healing power of God in Christ would begin mending and putting us back together again.