21/06/2026
*When Do We Need To Be Reconciled?* — 3 main times the Bible shows us. Reconciliation isn’t just a “nice idea.” It’s urgent.
*1. WE NEEDED RECONCILIATION WITH GOD FIRST* _2 Cor 5:18-19_
*When?* The moment Adam sinned, all humanity became God’s enemy.
Romans 5:10 _"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son..."_
**Sign You Need It** **Why It’s Urgent** **How It Happens**
1. **Guilt + Fear of God** — You can’t pray, you feel dirty Isaiah 59:2 "Your sins have separated you and God" Accept Jesus. 2 Cor 5:21 He becomes sin for you
2. **No Peace** — Money, s*x, alcohol can’t fill the hole Rom 5:1 "Being justified... we have peace with God" Believe vs 18: "God hath reconciled us". It’s done
3. **Death Can Come Anytime** Heb 9:27 "After this the judgment" 2 Cor 6:2 "NOW is the day of salvation" Not tomorrow
*Key*: This reconciliation happened 2000 years ago on the cross. Your job is to _receive_ it today. If you’ve never said "Jesus, I accept Your peace," you need it right now.
*2. WE NEED TO RECONCILE WITH PEOPLE* _Matthew 5:23-24_
Jesus said: _"If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you; Leave your gift... first be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift."_
*When?* Before worship, before service, before communion.
**Situation in Motako Church** **God’s Command** **Danger of Delay**
**1. You offended someone** — Insulted worker, cheated in land deal Article 10 Go FIRST. Not after service. Matt 5:24 God rejects your offering, prayer, tithe. 1 Peter 3:7
**2. Someone offended you** — Sister lied about you, brother owes money Matt 18:15 "Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone" Bitterness becomes root Heb 12:15. Destroys YOU, not them
**3. Misunderstanding** — You thought he ignored you, but he was sick Eph 4:26 "Don’t let sun go down on your wrath" Devil gets foothold vs 27. Small issue becomes church split
**4. Court case between believers** 1 Cor 6:1-8 "Why not rather be wronged?" Unbelievers mock church. Vs 6 "brother goes to law against brother"
*Rule of Thumb*: If you can’t take communion with clear conscience toward that person, you need reconciliation TODAY. Not next month.
*3. WE NEED TO RECONCILE OTHERS* _2 Cor 5:18 "ministry of reconciliation"_
*When?* When you see division that destroys God’s name.
**When To Step In** **Why It’s Your Job** **Scripture**
**1. Two families not greeting** in church John 13:35 "By this shall all men know... if ye have love" You have "ministry" vs 18. You’re hired
**2. Pastor vs worker cold war** 1 Cor 1:10 "No divisions among you" God holds you accountable if you keep quiet Ezek 3:18
**3. Husband/wife about to divorce** Mal 2:16 "God hates divorce" You help save 2 souls + children. James 5:20
**4. Youth vs elder tribalism** Gal 3:28 "Neither Jew nor Greek" Church becomes Motako laughingstock if you don’t
*But*: Don’t jump in without Matt 18:15 process. If they don’t want peace, vs 17 says shake off. Rom 12:18 "As much as lies in you, live peaceably".
*4. SIGNS IT’S TIME TO RECONCILE NOW*
1. *Worship is dry* — You sing but heaven is closed. Check Matt 5:23. Who are you malicing?
2. *Prayers not answered* — Mark 11:25 "When ye stand praying, forgive". Unforgiveness blocks prayer.
3. *Constant quarrels at home* — If you fight husband Monday, don’t expect to settle members Tuesday. 1 Tim 3:5.
4. *The Holy Spirit disturbs you* — That name keeps coming to mind during prayer. That’s God saying "Go now."
5. *Before taking communion* — 1 Cor 11:28 "Let a man examine himself". Examine relationships too.
*5. WHEN NOT TO FORCE RECONCILIATION*
1. *Abuse/Danger*: If person will beat you, reconcile with police + elder present. Rom 13:4. Don’t be fool.
2. *Unrepentant Sin*: If brother is sleeping with someone’s wife and refuses to stop, Matt 18:17 "tell it to church". Don’t pretend peace.
3. *They Refuse*: Rom 12:18 "as much as lies in YOU". Do your part, then release. You’re not Holy Spirit.
*6. URGENCY: WHY TODAY?*
1. *Tomorrow not promised* — Prov 27:1. The person may die. You’ll live with "I should have said sorry".
2. *Sin multiplies* — Small quarrel today = church split next year. Song of Sol 2:15 "little foxes spoil vines".
3. *God’s blessing waits* — Psalm 133:1,3 "Where brethren dwell in unity... there the Lord commanded blessing". No unity, no blessing.
*Motako Test*: Look at your Article 7:7 "Settle disputes among members". If land case, quarry fight, or wife/husband case has lasted 30+ days, you’re already disobeying Scripture. Reconciliation is overdue.
*One Verse to Remember*:
2 Cor 6:2 _"Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation"_ — applies to getting saved AND making peace.
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*So check yourself right now:*
1. *With God*: Are you truly born again? If not, reconcile today.
2. *With People*: Who came to your mind reading this? That’s who.
3. *For Others*: Which 2 people in church need you to step in this week?
Tell me which category is pressing on you, and I’ll give you exact words + steps to start the reconciliation in next 24hrs.