Reconciliation means: What was broken is made whole again. The Bible tells of this in two directions – God reconciles Himself with people, and people reconcile with one another. Here you will find 22 Bible verses about reconciliation, with God and with one another.
Reconciled with God
The New Testament says: God Himself took the first step.
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But all this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and given the ministry that proclaims reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18
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For God was in Christ and reconciled the world to Himself.
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So we are now ambassadors for Christ, for God exhorts through us; so we now plead: Be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20Mission
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For just as we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, while we were yet enemies, so much more will we be saved through His life, now that we are reconciled.
Romans 5:10
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Not only that, but we also glory in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now have received reconciliation.
Romans 5:11
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For it was His pleasure that all fullness should dwell in Him, and that all things should be reconciled to Himself through Him, whether on earth or in heaven, so that He made peace through the blood at His cross, through Himself.
Colossians 1:19-20
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And you, who once were strangers and enemies through reason in evil works, He has now reconciled to the body of His flesh through death, so that He might present you holy, blameless, and without reproach before Himself.
Colossians 1:21-22
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For He is our peace, who has made two into one and has broken down the wall that was between them, taking away enmity through His flesh.
Ephesians 2:14Unity
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And He reconciled both with God in one body through the cross and has put to death enmity through Himself.
Ephesians 2:16
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And He is the reconciliation for our sins, not only for ours, but also for the whole world.
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In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son for the reconciliation of our sins.
1 John 4:10Good Friday
Reconciliation with one another
Jesus takes reconciliation so seriously that it even takes precedence over worship.
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Therefore, if you offer your gift on the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there at the altar and go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24ConflictBrothers and sisters
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Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called children of God.
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But if your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.
Matthew 18:15ConflictBrothers and sisters
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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men.
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And bear with one another, and forgive one another, even as Christ forgave you, so that you also may forgive.
Colossians 3:13ConflictForgiveness
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Be angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
Ephesians 4:26RelationshipsConflict
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But be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32RelationshipsFamily
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But pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
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But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell upon his neck, and kissed him; and they wept.
Genesis 33:4Brothers and sisters
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You intended evil against me; but God intended good, that He might save many.
Genesis 50:20Evil
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If a man's ways please the Lord, He also makes his enemies be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
Related Topics
This Goes Well Together
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What Does Reconciliation Mean in the Bible?
The Greek word for reconcile originally means "to exchange," "to change": A relationship of enmity becomes a relationship of peace. It is remarkable who takes the first step in the Bible. Not man reconciles God, but "God was in Christ and reconciled the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Reconciliation is a gift here that one can accept: "Be reconciled to God!" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Reconciliation in Everyday Life
Whoever is reconciled to God receives, according to Paul, a "ministry" that proclaims reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) – and that begins at home. Jesus even says: If you remember that your brother has something against you, then leave your gift and be reconciled first (Matthew 5:23-24). Reconciliation is not always quickly possible, and it does not depend on one side alone. Romans 12:18 therefore says realistically: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men." Genesis 33 tells a moving story: Jacob and Esau fall into each other's arms after years of enmity. Whoever is currently in a conflict will find verses at Bible verses about conflict and Bible verses about forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?
Forgiveness can happen unilaterally: I release someone from their debt. Reconciliation requires both sides, for it restores the relationship.
Where Does It Say "Be Reconciled to God"?
In 2 Corinthians 5:20. Paul asks the church in Corinth "in Christ's stead" to accept reconciliation with God.
