Reconcile with God
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III calls every person to reconcile with God, for reconciliation is the way to inner peace and eternal readiness. Sin is enmity with God, while reconciliation restores man to divine light and communion with Him.
🌿 The Meaning of Reconciliation with God
To be reconciled with God means to live in harmony with His will and to forsake sin, which separates us from His love. The sinner says, “You go Your way, and I go mine,” but the reconciled soul says joyfully, “Here I am, Lord.”
🌸 The Fruits of Reconciliation
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Inner peace: The reconciled person fears no calamity, knowing his life is in God’s hands.
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Readiness for eternity: Reconciliation makes one constantly ready to meet God without fear.
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True freedom: It releases the soul from the slavery of sin and selfish desires.
🌾 Sin as Enmity with God
Sin is not merely weakness but spiritual hostility, separating man from grace. Scripture says: “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” Continuing in sin saddens the Holy Spirit and leads to spiritual blindness.
🌺 God’s Call for Reconciliation
It is astonishing that God Himself initiates reconciliation. He says: “Return to Me and I will return to you.” Through prophets, apostles, conscience, and the cross, He seeks to win back His children. Even after betrayal, He still says: “Come back to Me, for I desire your salvation, not your destruction.”
🌼 How to Reconcile with God
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Through sincere repentance from the heart.
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By spiritual striving, praying: “Turn me back, O Lord, and I shall return.”
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By avoiding the causes of sin and distancing oneself from harmful influences.
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By living in the means of grace—prayer, confession, communion, and Scripture.
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By remaining in the Church, for to separate from it is to separate from Christ’s body.
🌻 The Fruits of True Reconciliation
The reconciled person lives in light and joy, unafraid of death, for it is the beginning of eternal life. He lives at peace with himself and others, for his peace flows from God. Reconciliation is not weakness—it is spiritual strength.
🌸 Conclusion
His Holiness concludes with an earnest plea: “Return to God now, do not delay.” Death may come suddenly, and reconciliation after death is impossible. God stretches out His hand today and says: “I want you with Me.”
Say sincerely:
“Restore me, O Lord; cleanse me body, soul, and spirit, that I may return to Your image and likeness.”
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