Session 18

Why would I reconcile with God?

From 2 Samuel: A 5-Week Devotional

In 2 Samuel 14:1-24, the wise widow helped David see that his actions did not reflect the heart of God.

2 Samuel 14:14 (NIV 84) tells us, “God does not take away life, but instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” God is always working to bring “banished” people — people who are far from God — closer to Himself. 

Reconciliation is restoring a relationship after a fight or disagreement. Reconciliation is a gift from God. In His grace, God has given us through Jesus’ death and resurrection a way to be reconciled to Him. 

God did not wait on us to recognize our need for Him. He saw our need and loved us enough to give us a way to Him through Jesus’ death on the cross. 

God did not wait on us to recognize our need for Him. He saw our need and loved us enough to give us a way to Him.

Reconciliation is available to everyone; it is up to us to accept His gift.

How to accept God’s gift of reconciliation:

• It starts with salvation. By confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing He was raised from the dead we are saved and promised eternal life. Salvation delivers us from sin and allows us to be in a relationship with God (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9). 
• For those who are already saved, reconciliation comes through repentance. Repentance is confessing any sin to the Lord, expressing our remorse, and asking for forgiveness. Jesus paid for our sin and promises to forgive us (Romans 5:1).  
• Finally, following Jesus and being good stewards of the gift of reconciliation means learning to surrender. Surrender is submitting to Jesus in everything, learning to listen to Him and do what He says  (Romans 12:1).

Reflect:

• Do you feel “banished” from God? In what way?
• Have you accepted God’s gift of reconciliation?
• God is working to bring you close to Him. What is one step you can take today toward reconciliation through salvation, repentance or surrender?