Beautiful Ugliness

Reconciliation is something that isn't talked about much in Christian circles, at least the circles I have been a part of, and it is a shame because reconciliation is one of the greatest things in the Christian life. Let's start off by giving a definition for reconciliation. Reconciliation is asking forgiveness for a wrong that has been done to another person in order to restore a right relationship with that person. I have learned the power of this act in a mighty way when I was baptized. I had the pleasure of being baptized in Colorado on a school trip in the pool of a hotel. Before I got "dunked" I looked around the pool area at many of my friends and peers and had to make an announcement. For anyone that has known me for any amount of time I am sure you know how badly my tongue can get out of line. I say many things that I regret and thankfully God has been restoring that aspect of my life slowly but surely! So, I looked around the room and asked everyone that I hurt by my words to forgive me for my wrongdoing. I didn't know the effect that this had at that moment but the next day I found out in an awesome way! A female peer of mine came up to me the next day and asked to speak to me alone. I thought I was in trouble for something because that is normally how it works with me. As we walked outside her eyes started to turn for dry to damp. She told me that she had been hurt deeply by some words that I had said in the past and she wanted to be friends but she found it impossible with this burden on her heart. She said that when I asked for forgiveness the night in the pool she was able to finally forgive me and restore a relationship. She started to break down at this point and we shared a hug and I told her thanks for forgiving me and she said thanks for asking for it. At that moment I couldn't help but praise God! Without his ultimate forgiveness how can we forgive? We are called to forgive and to ask for forgiveness (Matt. 5: 23-24, Luke 6:37). So if you have wrongs that need to be righted go and do it! Do not sit and hold those feelings inside. Allow those wrongs to come out because the nasty things we do can be restored into love and the ugly things can become beautiful!