Will God reconcile me with someone I miss?

The question of whether God will reconcile you with someone you miss is a deeply emotional and spiritually significant one. It touches on themes of forgiveness, divine will, human relationships, and the transformative power of God's love. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I'd like to explore this question by looking at what Scripture says about reconciliation, the nature of God's will, and how we can align our desires with God's purposes.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that reconciliation is at the heart of the Christian message. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV), "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them." This passage clearly shows that God values reconciliation so highly that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to achieve it for us. If reconciliation is central to God's mission, it stands to reason that He also desires reconciliation in our personal relationships.

However, divine reconciliation and human reconciliation, while related, are not always identical in their processes or outcomes. God's reconciliation with humanity is a completed act through Jesus Christ, but human reconciliation often involves complex emotional, psychological, and situational factors. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) instructs us, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse not only calls us to forgive but also sets a high standard for how we should approach our relationships, modeling them after the forgiveness we have received from God.

When you miss someone and desire reconciliation, it's essential to examine your heart and your motives. Are you seeking reconciliation out of love and a genuine desire to restore a broken relationship, or are there other motives at play, such as guilt, loneliness, or a need for validation? James 4:3 (NIV) warns, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." It's crucial to approach God with a pure heart, seeking His will above all else.

Prayer is a powerful tool in seeking reconciliation. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When you bring your desire for reconciliation to God in prayer, you are not only asking for His intervention but also opening yourself up to His peace and guidance.

It's also important to consider the role of the other person in the reconciliation process. Reconciliation is a two-way street, requiring willingness and effort from both parties. Romans 12:18 (NIV) advises, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This verse acknowledges that while we should strive for peace and reconciliation, it may not always be possible due to factors beyond our control. The other person may not be ready or willing to reconcile, and we must respect their autonomy and God's timing in their life.

Forgiveness is a critical component of reconciliation, and it often starts within our own hearts. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV), "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Forgiveness is not just a gift we give to others; it is a necessary step in our own spiritual growth and freedom. Holding onto unforgiveness can create barriers in our relationship with God and others.

In addition to prayer and forgiveness, practical steps may be necessary to facilitate reconciliation. This could involve reaching out to the person, expressing your feelings honestly and humbly, and being willing to listen to their perspective. Colossians 3:13 (NIV) advises, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Patience and humility are essential in this process, as reconciliation often takes time and effort from both parties.

Christian literature also offers valuable insights into the process of reconciliation. For example, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book "Life Together," emphasizes the importance of community and the role of confession and forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships. He writes, "In confession the break-through to community takes place. Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation." Bonhoeffer's insights remind us that reconciliation is not just about restoring a relationship with one person but also about rejoining the broader community of believers.

Ultimately, whether God will reconcile you with someone you miss is a question that involves both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God's will is perfect and His desire for reconciliation is clear, He also respects human free will and the complexities of individual situations. It is essential to trust in God's timing and His plan, even if it may not align with our immediate desires.

In moments of uncertainty, it can be helpful to reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Trusting in God's wisdom and submitting to His will can bring peace and clarity, even when the outcome of a specific situation remains uncertain.

In summary, while God deeply values reconciliation and desires it for His children, the process involves both divine intervention and human effort. Prayer, forgiveness, humility, and patience are essential components of seeking reconciliation. Trust in God's timing and His perfect plan, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Whether or not reconciliation occurs in the way you hope, you can find peace and assurance in God's unchanging love and faithfulness.