In my final post on resolving the past, I want to discuss some practical steps on acquiring a clear conscience through reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 informs us that we have a ministry of reconciliation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, Who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

The first step in reconciliation is to identify the offense. We need to be honest with ourselves and specific about the offense.

Next, we need to purpose in our hearts to ask forgiveness. This second step involves commitment and may be best sustained by asking a close friend to keep you accountable to that decision.

Lastly, we need to ask forgiveness and make restitution when necessary. This is the most difficult and may also cost you something. But no cost is too great for freedom in your spirit and a clear conscience.

MAKING IT PRACTICAL
Schedule some solitude in your schedule next week to process your past and pray for guidance. Deal with your past so you can truly move forward. Paul states in Philippians 2:5 that, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God is the “author and finisher of your faith” (Hebrews 12:2); he is your sustainer in every part of the journey!