Because we are forgiven by God, we now have UNION with God. Unfortunately, UNION (state of unity) comes and goes with people around us. Relationship wreckage occurs in our homes, at our work, and with most family and friends. Even more so, dealing with difficult people that come into our life UNINTENTIONALLY creates even more DISUNION (lack of unity, dissension) in our daily lives. Praise be to God that through Christ, we not only can experience UNION with God, but also REUNION with others that cause us hurt or to whom we have caused hurt.

II Corinthians 5:14–17 provides a road map for UNION and a REUNION. Verse 16 is the jumping off point for all humanity, as Paul states, “From now on…regard no one according to the flesh.” He states emphatically in verse 15 that Christ died for us so that we “no longer live for [ourselves] but for HIM.” And in verse 17, Paul puts an X on the road map to point out our final destination for ALL relationships. He writes, “Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a new creation. The old (the way we used to deal with difficult people) has passed away…the NEW (how we care for difficult people and the pain they cause) has come.”

God desires to be in UNION with you and me. He also cares deeply about the constant state of REUNION we must have with each other. We need to be following the Holy Spirit’s lead each day as He leads us to UNION and REUNION with Him and others.