The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the congregation in Galatia (modern-day Turkey) asking them to restore the person who was caught in an act of indiscretion. While Paul is all about reconciliation, he also issues a stern warning not to stumble into the same pitfalls that had previously caused the friction. “Watch yourselves”, Paul wrote, “or you also may be tempted.”

Restoring relationships is never easy; in fact, separating is much easier than reconciling. A separation is precisely defined: here are the boundary lines; those are the walls and fences; do not cross. – That’s what separation is all about. – Reconciliation, on the other hand, is a whole lot messier and requires courage and wisdom.

Jesus came to restore our broken relationship with God. It took His death and resurrection to reconcile us to Him. He does not look at us with a judgmental eye and neither should we when we reconcile with someone. In the process of restoring relationships we need to let go of prejudice and pride.

The Holy Spirit aims to connect. Building bridges supersedes burning them; getting back together is far better than erecting walls; and reconciliation always beats separation.