Abusing Reconciliation

I hear many calls for reconciliation, a la Rodney King, to just get along. Reconciliation is a bit more complicated. It requires an admission of guilt and wrong. It requires change. It cannot accept simply sweeping wrongs under the rug as though no harm has been done.

We can become reconciled if I have hurt you, but only as far as I am willing to make amends and change course into the future.

Anything less is a cover for more abuse.

To be reconciled requires a meeting of minds and intentions, respecting and honoring each other’s human dignity.

I am in control only of myself and my actions. I can only do so much toward reconciliation. It takes accepting responsibility for my own actions. It does not necessitate taking responsibility for the actions of others, nor should it.

Jesus does not ignore injustice, abuse, anger, hate, and violence. Jesus addressed issues regarding abuse and oppression. It's the same with reconciliation with God. It requires a shift toward love and grace on our part. Otherwise, we are rejecting God's overtures of love and grace.

I can't be reconciled to someone I am continuing to harm. I can't be reconciled until I have ended the harm, changed my attitudes, and changed the character of my actions. Only then is reconciliation even a possibility on my part. It requires reparations.

We can’t be reconciled to native peoples, black people, the queer community, or immigrant communities without reparations. We must withdraw from harm and heal the wounds. We must make people whole. Anything less is continued abuse. It’s cover for more of the same.



— ©Copyright 2024, Christopher B. Harbin 



http://www.sermonsearch.com/contributors/104427/

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