Forgiveness and Reconciliation are Two very Different Things

Forgiveness and reconciliation have been on my mind for a while now. It has probably been working round my mind since I wrote the post, forgiveness is key.
https://wannabechristiandoorman.com/2021/09/03/forgiveness-is-key/

When I went through the process of forgiveness one time, I was then left with the thought of… I now need to make contact with the person I have forgiven.
After all, I have now forgiven them, so I shouldn’t have a problem with them anymore.

I now look at that thought and think that it could possibly be a lie from the enemy.

In order for a relationship to be restored there may be a need for reconciliation.
I do believe that need was present for me, but at the time I didn’t see it.

Instead I effectively thought that I had to restore the relationship.
Again, I now think that was a subtle lie from the enemy.

For a relationship to be restored then both parties need to come to the party in order to work at reconciliation.

Hence the reason for this post of, Forgiveness and Reconciliation are Two very Different Things.

So, if we have gone through the process of forgiveness, does that then mean that we then need to go through the process of reconciliation?

I do believe that all situations are different and there is only One Person who can answer that.
And that Person is ….
Lord God Almighty,
Our Father in Heaven,
King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
The One who Loves you with an everlasting Love.

As Wannabe Christian Doorman I just have to shout that out every once in a while.

Back to the post, and yes, I do think that we should always be seeking Father when we have a question of where do we go next.

Reconciliation is always going to be a good thing to hope for, but sometimes, it just might not be possible or even safe to consider. (Especially in the instance of abuse.)
Again, I’ll say, please, let Father lead your steps.

Even if we can’t be reconciled, then I still believe that we need to forgive. If you are struggling with forgiveness then please consider reading forgiveness is key, (a link is at the top of this post).

So if we have gone through the process of forgiveness and we now want to tackle reconciliation, then how can we do this?

Have you guessed the answer yet?
All situation are different and you need to be lead by Father. (There seems to be a running theme here 🙂 )

A picture does come to mind though.

I see two lands, who were at war with each other. There are two borders with a no man’s land in the middle.

There are many choices of what you do next.

Running away from your border and hiding is a choice.
As I have already said, this could be a valid choice for some.
For safety or other reasons.
Listen to Father’s voice for his guidance.

If Father directs you to go up to your border and wave, then try that.

Father could direct you to find the middle ground.
That would be entering into no man’s land.

Father might even direct you cross past no man’s land and enter on into previously enemy land.
If you feel lead to do this then please, be sure it’s Father who is directing you. Finding yourself in enemy land when your not wanted without any back up is not not a good place to be, but if Father is directing you, then you will have back up.
He is Lord of Lords after all.

When all is said and done, seeking Father and his guidance is always going you be the best option.

We can always seek others for help and prayer, but do let Father lead in this also.
Share what needs to be shared.
It’s a case of not everyone needs to know all the details in order to pray for you. They might only need to know, “I have an issue with something, please pray for me so that I’ll know what to do.”
Having one or a few people who know some or all the details could be helpful, but (and I’m saying it again) seek Father for who this person or people should be.

Father,
Help us to keep you at our centre at all times.
Whether we have big thing or small things to deal with, help us always to look to You.
Thank you that you do care for us and Love us and that you will guide us if we come to you.
So help us always to look to You.
Amen