Restoration

What do you think of when you hear restoration? Do you think of restoring an old car? Do you think about restoring a relationship? Are you thinking about restoring family ties? Are you thinking about restoring our country, bringing about normal functions and peace?

When we hear the word restoration, it can bring many things to mind. For many of us, we might be thinking of bringing things back to normal in our country. There are likely also many of us who are thinking of restoring peace and calm. Many of us may be thinking of restoring relationships.

Restoring relationships may take on many forms. It could be restoring relationships across racial lines. It could mean restoring family relationships. It could mean restoring a love interest relationship. We might think of restoring a relationship with an old schoolmate.

I think of restoring our relationship with God. Some of us may have turned our back against God. Some of us may have walked away from God. Some of us may have strayed away from God through a series of unfortunate decisions. Can we restore that relationship?

The good news is God has never walked away from us. He is waiting with open arms for us to return. We simply need to make the decision to recommit ourselves to Him. If we are willing to restore our relationship with God, we will be amazed at how all those relationship restoration projects we thought of will be restored as well.

We are called to restoration. As our passage today states, we are to restore through encouragement, keeping our minds on Jesus, and living in peace. Remember? Jesus stated the peacemakers are blessed.

Restoring is not always simple when it comes to human relations. It can be difficult. Many times, the difficulty comes in admitting we were wrong and swallowing our pride. When we overcome those two hurdles, restoration becomes easier. We can do the right thing.

I pray we all decide on restoration. I pray we pursue peace. I pray each of us becomes of one mind. I pray we encourage one another. I pray we rejoice in each other’s accomplishments. Seek restoration. Be an encourager. Live in peace. Be of one mind with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.