My Journey to Life, Step 17—Growing in Christ

6. How does this growth in Christ impact our human relationships?

Reconciliation with God opens the second phase of the redemptive growth process: reconciliation with our fellow humans. When we accept Christ as Lord, not only will we seek to restore estranged relationships in our family and friendships, but we will also understand that, as sinners, we are all one melded humanity at the foot of the cross. JTL17 8.1

No longer will we seek to divide people by caste, education, wealth, gender, hierarchy, politics, or race; instead, we will seek a new brotherhood characterized by respect, caring, and a desire to proclaim to the entire world the offer of redemption through Christ alone. The new life Christ brings breaks down walls of pride, prejudice, elitism, and racial tension. In these practical ways, the cross of Christ initiates victory over Satan and sin in our personal interactions with others for whom Christ also died. There is no Christian growth without love, unity, and forgiveness. In fact, there is no real reconciliation with God if we still have enmity toward another person. JTL17 8.2