Diplomacy and compromise are at the heart of ending wars, as recent events in Israel and Palestine has shown, but unless there is a genuine heart for peace, such efforts often fail. In 2 Samuel 14 we see Joab trying to bring about reconciliation between David and his son Absalom, which he does through subterfuge, getting a woman from Tekoa to come with a fictional scenario to the king to make him realise the inconsistencies in his attitude towards his son. Apparently, this is successful, for Absalom – who has killed his half-brother Amnon for his rape of Tamar – returns from Geshur to Israel. But as the chapter unfolds, it becomes obvious that this is not real reconciliation, for David still refuses to see his son, and even when Absalom schemes to get back into David’s presence and apparent reconciliation takes place (Absalom bowing down before the king and David kissing him), we are aware of an unease that reminds us true reconciliation is about more than outward appearances.
Reconciliation involves two people meeting each other halfway and genuinely seeking forgiveness for wrongs done. When we read about the Prodigal Son coming to his senses and returning to his father, he admits his sins and humbles himself in repentance. His father throws a lavish feast to welcome him home and offers unconditional forgiveness and acceptance. The two are reconciled. But if we allow resentment to grow in our hearts, if we never talk about the issues, if we do not forgive whole-heartedly, reconciliation is brittle and easily broken.
The gospel brings with it the message that we can be reconciled to God and to each other, with our forgiveness and love modelled on God’s forgiveness of us and acceptance of us as sinners (Rom 5:8, Matt 5:23-24, Col 3:12-14, Heb 12:14-15). It is not always possible (as this and subsequent chapters reveal) because it requires both parties to both want reconciliation and to work towards it. May we learn to forgive, to communicate freely and to be peacemakers, in small and big ways.