For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

- Colossians 1:19-20

Reconciliation is already done. Through Christ, God has already reconciled all things to himself, making peace. This reconciliation that has taken place through Christ has an impact on all of our relationships.

We often find ourselves lacking in ourselves the power to forgive others. What they’ve done – whether it’s a wrong that’s been done to us or a jealousy they’ve provoked in us – is beyond our power to forgive. How, then, can we forgive?

Over the past several days we’ve reflected on God’s interaction with Cain shortly before Cain killed his brother. God told Cain to rule over the sin that desired to have him, but Cain couldn’t.

Millennia later, God himself puts on flesh, masters sin and offers us his power and strength. He says to us: “I am master over this sin that desires to have you. I have already reconciled with you and with the person you need to forgive. I make forgiveness possible.”

When Jesus calls us to forgive each other, he not only gives us the command, he also gives us the power to fulfill the command. The power isn’t from us. It’s from him. He frees us to rely on a stronger, deeper power, a power that makes true forgiveness possible.

Try praying this prayer today: Christ Jesus, I acknowledge that you have already forgiven this person. I desire to participate in that forgiveness too. Show me how I can enter into this forgiveness, To experience the forgiveness you’re offering them, To express forgiveness to them in your name. Amen.