Ambassadors Live with Integrity

As an ambassador of reconciliation, one is called to live with integrity, embodying the principles of peace and justice in every aspect of life. This role is not merely a title but a commitment to uphold the values of the Christian faith, guided by the teachings of scripture and the standards set forth by the Institute for Christian Conciliation.

The Bible calls us to a life of integrity and truth. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the apostle Paul writes, "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." As ambassadors of Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, a task that demands integrity in our actions, words, and intentions.

Living with integrity means being honest and transparent, even when it is difficult. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight." A commitment to truthfulness is paramount for those seeking to reconcile others to God and each other. It requires a clear conscience, free from deceit, and a heart aligned with God's righteousness.

The Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC) provides a comprehensive standard of conduct for Christian conciliators, emphasizing the importance of integrity in their practice. According to the guidelines, Christian conciliators must "maintain his/her conduct and relationship with the parties above reproach and in accord with the highest standards of biblical ministry " and "must be impartial, that is, free from favoritism or bias." These principles are essential for fostering trust and credibility, both of which are crucial for effective reconciliation.

Moreover, living with integrity as an ambassador of reconciliation involves humility and a willingness to admit mistakes. James 5:16 advises, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Confession and repentance are vital components of a reconciler's journey, enabling growth and healing within relationships (see How is David’s Slide Into These Sins Similar to Our Own Experience?).

Integrity also calls for consistency in character, ensuring that one's public persona aligns with private conduct. Matthew 5:37 instructs, "Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil." This directive underscores the importance of reliability and straightforwardness, qualities that reinforce trust and respect in all interactions.

As ambassadors of reconciliation, we are called to embody the love and grace of Christ, reflecting his character in our pursuit of peace. Colossians 3:12-15 encourages us, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." This passage highlights the virtues that should define our conduct, promoting harmony and understanding in our efforts to reconcile.

Being an ambassador of reconciliation means living with integrity, rooted in the truth of scripture and guided by the standards of the ICC. By embracing honesty, humility, consistency, and love, we can effectively fulfill our calling to bring reconciliation to a fractured world, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's peace and righteousness.

Even when reconcilers falter, they can always turn back, confess their sins, and receive God's forgiveness. As 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance encourages reconcilers to embrace humility, acknowledging their own need for grace as they guide others towards it. By living out this truth, ambassadors of reconciliation demonstrate that the path to healing and peace begins with recognizing our own need for redemption and relying on the transformative power of Christ's love.

For more information on the Institute for Christian Conciliation’s standard of conduct for Christian conciliators, please visit www.aorhope.org/icc-soc.

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!