Reconciliation. It’s God’s heart for people to be restored in relationship with one another across differences in culture, race, and class. This is vital, but sometimes it feels so big that we don’t know where to start.
The answer is to start small.
In Acts 6:1-7, we find an issue that was about more than food distribution. It involved a bitter cultural and ideological conflict between Hebraic and Grecian Jews—people who not only spoke different languages but shared other differences too (Acts 6:1) The conflict between groups was a recurring problem in the early church, and other accounts can be found in Acts 9:1-43, 11:1-30, and Acts 22:1-30. In light of this, the apostles’ decision to place some men in charge of the food distribution seemed woefully inadequate.
But these were Spirit-led followers of Jesus, including Stephen, the first martyr of the church (Acts 7:54-60), and Philip, one of the early church’s most powerful evangelists (Acts 8:1-40). What’s more, their simple efforts to make sure food was equitably distributed minimized the potential for conflict. This paved the way for healing to take place between the two groups.
No reconciliation would have been possible without the practical first step of appointing seven men for the food distribution. In fact, after their installation, the renown of the church spread even further (Acts 6:7).
We can take great encouragement from this example. Yes, reconciliation is a difficult pursuit. But it’s also one that can begin with simple acts of generosity, fairness, and hospitality. These actions might seem small, but they create an environment where relationships can begin to heal, discussions can take place, and—with God’s leading—true reconciliation can occur.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 21:37–22:29
More:
Read Luke 19:1-10 to see how Jesus’ seemingly small act of reaching out to Zacchaeus led to the tax collector becoming a force for reconciliation and justice.
Next:
In what small ways can you begin to lay the foundation for reconciliation in your personal life? How about in your church?
Gary Shultz on November 11, 2014 at 8:11 am
Yes I agree, we need this step so we can get to the place where we love one another as we are commanded to do. If we have love, it is the greatest reflection of God we could have. Thank you.
peter chin on November 11, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Thanks Gary! It’s true, sometimes we have to do some preparation work so that love can really take root in our hearts and churches.
Tom Felten on November 11, 2014 at 9:43 am
Peter, it all comes to down to a choice, doesn’t it? Will we choose to live out God’s grace and pursue healing in broken relationships or will we turn away? I’m eternally grateful that Jesus didn’t turn away. His ultimate sacrifice provided the way for reconciliation in my relationship with God. What an example for us to follow!
peter chin on November 11, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Amen – I love this passage because it’s a good reminder that the weighty calling of following in the footsteps of Christ begins with small but important decisions like this.
Mike Wittmer on November 11, 2014 at 9:44 am
This is what I needed today. Just finished reading a book that left me overwhelmed by all that I couldn’t do for Jesus. Thank you for pointing me where to start.
peter chin on November 11, 2014 at 12:11 pm
You’re welcome Mike – praying that I would also be convicted to do what I can for Jesus, even if it is to be a food distributor!