Ok, trivia time: who is John J. Sullivan?

Before you Google to find out, please know that Mr. Sullivan is the United States ambassador to Russia. An ambassador is an emissary sent to represent one nation or entity with another nation or entity. As Mr. Sullivan represents the United States and its interests with the Russian government and its people, so the Apostle Paul called the church of Corinth — and us as followers of Jesus — to be Jesus’ ambassadors into the world. How timely! In a time of deep social division and polarization, Paul disciples us with the Corinthians and says we are called to be reconcilers. Having been reconciled to Jesus Christ, we as Christ followers are continually invited to more fully align our hearts and minds with Jesus. Because we live for Him, we also join with Him in His ministry of reconciliation.

So, for ourselves, we are seeking to be at peace -- reconciled -- in every relationship. Further, we are choosing reconciliation instead of canceling or avoiding or excluding people from our lives. We are looking for every means to balance grace and truth in meaningful relationships that invite people to be reconciled with Jesus who loves them deeply. How can we best represent? How can we best be ambassadors for Jesus’ message of the gospel to our families and friends and others? Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians, chapters 5 and 6 provides answers.