Angie Hyche
While visiting Ireland with my husband, Eric, in 2007, I read an unforgettable story. An old wooden door with a large hole called the Door of Reconciliation hangs inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Beside the door, visitors can read the story behind it. Its powerful message still rings true today.
In 1492, two Irish families, the Butlers and the FitzGeralds, were involved in a bitter feud over whose family would be represented as Lord Deputy. The tension escalated into outright warfare, and the Butler family retreated to the Chapter House of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The FitzGeralds followed them and implored them to come out to make peace. Understandably, the Butler family feared they would be promptly slaughtered if they left their sanctuary, so they stayed inside the chapter house.
Finally, Gerald FitzGerald ordered that a hole be cut in the door. He bravely thrust his arm through the hole, offering his hand in peace. Seeing FitzGerald’s willingness to risk his life, the Butlers shook hands through the door, came out, and negotiated for peace.
The need for reconciliation is no less urgent today. In an age rife with division, we desperately need harmony. As a child, two family members had a years-long dispute over who inherited furniture when a parent died. Friction with friends has caused me many lost hours of sleep. When we are at odds with someone, it fractures our peace.
Jesus provides the ultimate example of reconciliation. FitzGerald’s act was heroic, but it pales in comparison to what was required of Jesus. God’s Son willingly endured an agonizing death on the cross so that we could be restored to a right relationship with God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Jesus considered reconciliation worthy of giving His very life. How might that shape the way you approach forgiveness today? Have you accepted the gift of Jesus’ forgiveness? When you have a conflict with someone, are you willing to take the first step? Scripture makes it clear that whether we’re the one who committed the offense (Matthew 5:23-24) or the one who was offended (Matthew 18:15), we have equal responsibility to make the first move.
Prayer
Ask God to bring to mind any relationships that are in need of reconciliation, whether from a small spat or a years-long stalemate. Pray for wisdom and courage to take a bold step towards unity.
