One of the most beautiful aspects of Lent is the joy of reconciliation. As we journey through this season, we are invited to confront our sins, our weaknesses, and our shortcomings. We are encouraged to seek forgiveness, not only from God but also from those we have wronged. This process of reconciliation is not only liberating, but also profoundly joyful. BETTY AMUKPO conversed with some teens. They shared their views thus:
‘Reconciliation with God and others bring immense joy and restoration’
Reconciliation both with God and others brings immense joy and restoration. The words of God emphasise the importance of forgiveness, love and understanding in restoring broken relationships. God wants us to always reconcile with each other, because He has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ.
Benefits of reconciliation: 1. Healing emotional wounds. 2. Experiencing inner peace. 3. Nurturing empathy and understanding. Matthew 6:14 states, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
• Umennadi Francis
‘Lent embodies joy through God’s forgiveness’
Lent invites a sober reflection on reconciliation, it embodies joy through God’s forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 5:18 states, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ.” In addition, Luke 15:10 illustrates joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Embracing reconciliation transforms relationships and deepens our connection with God, reminding us of His unwavering mercy and grace during this sacred season.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Reconciliation with friends and others gives us peace’
Moving from a place of separation, hurt and brokenness to a place of healing, wholeness, forgiveness, happiness and reunion. Reconciliation is a beautiful and joyful thing, especially when it involves restoring relationships with loved ones. Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as in Christ God forgives us.” The story of the prodigal son, shows how joyful the father was when he saw his wayward son. He forgave him, and they both reconciled. Genesis 37 talks about the story of Joseph and his brothers too. This verse shows how happy Joseph was when he first saw them, and asked them to go and bring their father. They all reconciled and lived happily. Reconciliation with our friends and loved ones gives us internal peace.
• Chima Anita
‘It is the celebration of love and mercy’
The joys of reconciliation bring peace with God and others (Romans 5:10), healing our spirits. Like the Prodigal son’s return (Luke 15:20-24), we are joyfully welcomed, our sins forgiven and our relationship with the Heavenly Father restored. It’s a celebration of love and mercy.”
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Lent is a period we abstain from food, temptation and sin to reconcile with God’
Lent is a period of sober reflection on the passion of Christ. It is the period we fast not just from food, but from temptation and sin, to reconcile with God. When Jesus was tempted by the devil after fasting; He did not just fast from food, but from the temptation and suffering ahead of him (Luke 4:1-13). Reconciliation means the process of restoring a relationship that has been damaged or broken, often due to conflict. Just like the task collector, Zacchaeus who reconciled with God after confessing all he has done and promised to do it no more, or like Peter that denied Jesus and asked for forgiveness and was reconciled with Jesus and forgiven by God.
Reconciling with somebody is one thing that brings calmness to your heart and mind, when you reconcile with somebody you feel re-newed and re-freshed. So, reconciling with somebody brings joy to you. It makes you feel happy and joyful. After Zacchaeus reconciled with others and Jesus dined with him. So when you restore a broken relationship, you are loved by those you won’t expect. Reconciling with people during lent brings more joy to you. Do not say that you have reconciled with somebody, because if you are still keeping malice with that same person, you have not reconciled. Until the malice is gone from your heart, that is when you have fully reconciled with that person. May the good Lord give you the power to reconcile with others.
• Anyasor Chibuike Raphael
‘Reconciliation fills our hearts with peace, love and compassion’
During Lent, we embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and growth. Reconciliation is a vital aspect of this journey, allowing us to deepen our relationship with God and others. Through prayer, fasting, and charity, we seek forgiveness for our sins and forgive those who have wronged us (Matthew 6:14-15). Reconciliation brings us numerous joys. It fills our hearts with peace, love, and compassion, enabling us to see ourselves and others in a new light. By reconciling with God and others, we experience the mercy and forgiveness that Jesus offers us (John 3:16). As we journey through Lent, let us embrace the joy of reconciliation. Let us seek forgiveness, forgive others, and cultivate a deeper relationship with God. By doing so, we will experience the transformative power of reconciliation and emerge from Lent renewed, revitalised, and filled with joy.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Lent is a season of reconciliation’
Lent is a season of reconciliation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:20; “Be reconciled to God.” Through prayer, fasting and charity, we seek forgiveness and healing, restoring our relationship with God and others. (Matthew 6:14–15, Luke 15:11–30).
• Ezeh Nancy
‘The Sacrament of Reconciliation involves confession, contrition, penance, and absolution’
In the Bible, reconciliation is the restoration of relationships between God and humanity, and between people (Luke 15:11-32). Reconciliation is a reflection of God’s redemptive work in the world (John 3:16). The joy of reconciliation is a feeling of deep joy that comes from restoring a broken relationship. As important as it is to be reconciled with each other, there is a reconciliation that is even more critical, and that is our reconciliation with God through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament that involves confession, contrition, penance, and absolution. It is also known as the Sacrament of Penance. Dear friends, let’s make every effort to be reconciled with those we have termed as enemies, and most importantly, let’s be reconciled with and to God.
• Patricia Oche
‘The joys of reconciliation, both with God and with others, are central to the Christian faith’
Reconciliation is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting God’s desire for restored relationships and unity among His people. Numerous verses discuss reconciliation, such as 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, which states that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. The joys of reconciliation, both with God and with others, are central to the Christian faith, representing the restoration of broken relationships and the experience of peace and forgiveness, as seen in verses like Colossians 1:19-20. Ephesians 5:1-14: “You were once in darkness; now you are light in the Lord, so walk as children of light.” 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Bryan Okononfua
‘Reconciliation restores relationships, heals wounds’
Reconciliation brings immense joy! As 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “God reconciled us to Himself through Christ… entrusting us with the message of reconciliation.” Reconciliation restores relationships, heals wounds, and brings peace (Colossians 1:20-22). It’s a testament to God’s love and mercy, filling our hearts with joy and gratitude. Through reconciliation, we experience God’s forgiveness and love, leading to renewed hope and a deeper connection with Him (Psalm 51:12, Romans 5:10-11).
• Josephine Agbo
‘Joys of reconciliation should be part of our lives’
Joys of reconciliation is a thing that should be part of our lives. God Himself forgave and reconciled with Adam and whenever we call on God, He forgives and reconciles with us. Also, the Book of 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.”
• Gideon Eyinade
