What Is the Way to Restoration?
June 05, 2023
What Is the Way to Restoration?
By Brooke Holt
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Though I have absolutely no gifting in the way of dance, I admire and marvel at dancers working in sync with one another. I hold those who develop the choreography of these dances as geniuses along with those who coach the group to work as individuals and to work in unity and collaboration with the other dancers. It is truly a work of art.
God calls the church to manifest this kind of unity to the world by working together as individuals and in collaboration with Christian brothers and sisters all over the world – people from different denominations, races, backgrounds, even ideologies. The cross of Christ unites Christian people. His authority and his rule have preeminence so that people living under his authority and rule find unity amongst themselves despite differences.
Sadly, this does not depict our church today, does it? We are divided between denominations and within denominations. Far too often, we worship with people who look like us and think like us. We judge instead of listening, creating even greater divides. This is not God’s plan for his church!
The Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – are three unique beings within the Godhead, yet they have perfect fellowship, unity, and love between them. It is the model for the church. We are unique creations of this Trinitarian God, yet despite the differences between us, we are called to fellowship, unity, and love.
As Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians, he stresses the call to live in relationship with one another – to be restored, to comfort, to agree, and to live in peace with each other. This high and holy calling belongs to everyone who is in Christ! This kind of relationship can only be accomplished by living in true fellowship with the triune God. Without his love, grace, and power, Christians will never come together and will never experience the restoration, comfort, unity, and peace God intends for his church.
How desperately our world needs restoration right now! We have one way towards that restoration - through the power of the Gospel. May restoration begin with you and me today.
Reflection:
How can you be part of God’s restoration and how can you then lead others towards the unity, love, and peace that God offers in his Son? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resources:
Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.
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