Ambassadors' Hope is in Christ

As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, carrying forth Jesus' message of love and peace to those around us. The apostle Paul reminds us of this important duty in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."

However, despite our sincere efforts to foster reconciliation, we often encounter resistance. It can be disheartening when the very people we seek to help reject our efforts or remain indifferent to the message of peace and unity. This resistance can stem from a variety of reasons—past hurts, misunderstandings, fear, or even pride. Nonetheless, our mission remains clear: to persist in our role as ambassadors, to continue to extend love and grace, and to hold fast to the promise of God's unwavering faithfulness.

In moments of discouragement, we can turn to the Word of God for encouragement and strength. Isaiah 55:10-11 offers us a powerful reminder of the effectiveness of God's Word: "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Even when we cannot see the immediate results of our efforts, we trust that God is at work, bringing about His divine plan in ways beyond our understanding. Just as the rain and snow nourish the earth, causing it to flourish and yield fruit, so too does God's Word achieve its intended purpose. Our role is to sow the seeds of reconciliation, confident that God will bring forth the harvest in His perfect timing.

As ambassadors, it is essential to remember that our strength is found in Christ alone. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." When faced with resistance, we can draw from the wellspring of Christ's strength, knowing that He equips us for every good work. Our reliance on Him allows us to extend grace, patience, and steadfast love, even in the face of adversity (see: What Comfort Does My Identity in Christ Provide in Conflicts?).

Additionally, we must cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion. Philippians 2:3 urges us, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." By approaching others with a servant's heart, we demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine connections while entrusting the reconciliation results to the Lord.

We can also seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 assures us, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." The Holy Spirit empowers us with divine wisdom, discernment, and the ability to navigate challenging situations with patience, grace and truth.

However, as ambassadors of reconciliation we can sometimes find ourselves succumbing to Satan's lies especially when we don't immediately see the reconciliation results we desire, leaving us in despair. Despite knowing we are not without hope, we still sometimes feel hopeless. In these moments, it is crucial to remember the comforting assurance of the Gospel. "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" (Psalm 32:1). As we navigate the challenging path of reconciliation, we must be mindful of our own need for God's grace, and let that grace shape our words and actions.

As we navigate the challenges and resistance that may come our way, let us remain steadfast in our mission, trusting in God's promise that His Word will not return void. By relying on His strength, embracing humility, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can continue to be faithful ambassadors of reconciliation, sowing seeds of peace and love in a world that so desperately needs it.

Does this resonate with you? Consider starting your journey by studying our free online Personal Peacemaking course today. Then, if you feel called to assist others ensnared in conflicts, explore our first assisted peacemaking course, Coaching People to Reconcile. If you have completed or plan to complete our foundational training courses (Coaching People to Reconcile and Mediating People to Reconcile) then consider being a Christian Reconciler™ or Certified Christian Conciliator™. Join us as an Ambassador of Reconciliation!