There are three relational planes that require reconciliation in life. The first one is the relationship between God and self. Sin separates us from walking with God and the cross is the bridge that brings us back to connection. In fact, Jesus proclaims the good news that God loves us and wants to be in relationship with us (See John 3:16).
The second relationship dynamic in need of reunion is person to person. Sin not only separates us from God, it separates us from each other. Bad behavior, opportunity for misunderstanding and fractured relationships abound. Restored relationships are important to God and he invites us to repair relational breeches as a precursor to worship. As Jesus states, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24).
The third relationship to be reconciled is person with self. We must learn to forgive ourselves for the past and accept and love the person we are if we ever hope to have significant relationship with God and others.