Oct 1, 2025
Freedom to Join God in His Work of Reconciliation (at work)
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the goodness of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” —I Peter 2:9
Our King is on His throne. Jesus reigns in heaven, and we, His people, live in the tension of the “now and not yet.” We walk in a world that is broken and forgetful, while belonging to a Kingdom that is eternal and whole. Christ has redeemed us, casting aside our sin and calling us into the fullness of life with Him.
At Needle’s Eye, we’ve been exploring what it means to live in the Freedom of Christ. This summer, we considered Freedom from Toxic Tapes—freedom from the lies about our identity, purpose, and influence. Now, we turn to a new theme: Freedom to Join God in His Work of Reconciliation at work.
God’s Plan of Reconciliation
Scripture tells us that God’s goal in freeing us isn’t merely so we can live more moral or productive lives, but so that we can join Him in reconciling the world to Himself (2 Cor. 5). Christ’s sacrifice has made us right with God (Rom. 5). His kindness, not our effort, leads to repentance (Rom. 11). He canceled the record of our sins and publicly shamed the rulers and powers that once enslaved us (Col. 2).
This is the foundation of our freedom:
Redemption—Christ has made us right with God.
Restoration—The Spirit renews and transforms our minds and hearts.
Reconciliation—We are sent as ministers of reconciliation into a divided, hurting world.
Reconciliation at Work
So what does it look like to set about as ministers of Reconciliation in our workplaces? It means asking questions like:
How does God want to redeem and restore what is broken in my workplace?
How can I, through my vocation, be an instrument of reconciliation?
What does it mean to embody Christ’s mercy, kindness, humility, and love (Col. 3) in the relationships I hold and the conflicts I face at work?
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5 that reconciliation with others is not optional—it’s part of true worship. Before offering a gift at the altar, we are to seek reconciliation with those we’ve wronged. Could it be that one of the greatest witnesses in our workplaces is not simply proclaiming Christ but living out reconciliation—offering forgiveness, pursuing peace, and pointing others to the goodness of God through our actions? And could it be that this is especially true with those—even those in the family of Christ-- who are unlike us, who we disagree with, who have different life experiences, viewpoints, skin colors, cultural backgrounds or political perspectives?
It's one thing to forgive and seek peace with people we like, but the gospel calls us to a deeper, harder work that more accurately and boldly represents Jesus.
Displaying God's Goodness
We are a royal priesthood, called to display God’s goodness (I Peter 2:9). Not just His justice or His mercy, but His goodness—a goodness that welcomes even those considered unworthy (Rom. 11). Our calling is not to reconcile people to God by changing their behavior, but by pointing them to the grace, kindness, and mercy of Jesus.
And one day, the work will be complete. Revelation 5 gives us the vision of the elders and heavenly creatures adoring Christ, the Lamb who was slain, ascribing all power, wisdom, strength, and glory. Until this vision is realized, our lives are meant to echo that heavenly chorus—drawing others to the throne of Christ—the only One who can reconcile them to God.
Living the Freedom of Reconciliation
Friends, we are free from sin and condemnation. Free to take up our cross. Free to live as reconcilers in our homes, workplaces, and communities. This is our call to become ministers of Reconciliation—not through moral intervention or self-righteousness, but through introducing people to the goodness of God in Christ.
May we live as those who are redeemed, restored, and sent—priests of a heavenly Kingdom—showing the world that freedom in Christ is freedom to join God in His work of reconciliation to Himself.
Join us at Faith & Work lunches and cohort gatherings this quarter as we explore this topic more!
