2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Repentance, Reconciliation.
Repentance is an essential turning point in reconciled relationships; it requires ownership of our responsibility for whatever part we may have played in erecting or reinforcing barriers. Repentance not only accepts responsibility for the part that we have played in the wall building, but also for the turning away from he behavior that built the walls in the first place. Often, we may not even perceive how we may have intentionally contributed to divisions between people individually or between ethnic groups in general, especailly through ethnic discrimination or religious sectarianism. Perhaps we have not done anything personally to hurt others, but still we may have sinned by our inaction (James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin). For the body of Christ to come to health and repentance--- regret, confession, and action --- is needed. As we do repent, the walls built through blindness and separation will be brought down and Christ will be honored through reconciled relationships.
Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
May God bless your day.
