Christian Relationships – Ambassadors of Reconciliation

The dictionary definition of an ambassador is this. “an accredited diplomat sent by one country as its official representative to a foreign country.”

Ambassadors act as representatives or promoters of a specific activity.

In fact, ambassadors are appointed by their governments to live in foreign countries. And, at the same time they maintain their citizenship in their homelands. Their role is to reflect the official position of the sovereign body that gave them authority.

The question is how does this relate to being a disciple of Jesus?

In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul discusses the ministry of reconciliation. He uses the term ambassadors for those with whom God has brought reconciliation through Jesus Christ. He has given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Ambassadors do not represent themselves. They are always on duty to officially represent the country of which they are a citizen. As ambassadors for our King Jesus Christ, we represent Him in this world. In fact, the only impression many people ever get of Christ is what they see in us. We are the fifth Gospel that our world can read! The main point is that broken people who have been healed are then commissioned to go to other broken people. We are to point the way towards reconciliation. I am a living testimony of that!

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  (I Timothy 1:15)

As ambassadors for Jesus, we have been sent by Him to represent Him here on earth. In the same way, He represents us before the Father in heaven (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Peter 2:12). We have the great privilege of speaking on behalf of him. God has entrusted as ambassadors to represent the ministry and the word of reconciliation.

In all we do and all we say, we should strive to be the very best reflection of our Lord. In Acts 11:26, the disciples were called Christians because they were reflecting Jesus Christ in all that they did. No matter where we go, we should walk with the dignity as one who is an ambassador for Jesus Christ.

We are ordinary people no more. We have been given the ministry of sharing the Gospel of reconciliation with a dying world. In fact, we have been given everything we need to proclaim the gospel to others (Romans 10:14-15). There is only one way to restore the relationship of peace with God.

As ambassadors, we are not allowed to stay shut up in the four walls of the church building. Our job is to take the message of our King to reconcile others with God. There are more than 2 billion people who have not yet heard of the Good News of Jesus. If every ambassador will do their part in sharing about the Prince of Peace, everyone might get an opportunity to hear the Good News and choose to follow Jesus Christ.

The basic mission for all of us as disciples of Jesus is to carry out the mandate given by Him. We must remember that reconciliation is God’s initiative to which we respond through His amazing grace of love.

It is deeply satisfying to help someone come to know and worship their true God. In fact, sharing the Gospel gives us a tremendous sense of significance! We are taking part in the work of eternal worth, sharing in the work of God Himself. God has created us in Jesus Christ to do the work He has designed for us (Ephesians 2:10). That is what it means to be ambassadors of Christ in the world in which we live. May the Lord use us as His official ambassadors to our generation!

Are we representing Christ well as His official ambassadors in our neighborhoods and work places?

What do I need to change to represent Him well?

We created to have right relationships. Both with our Father and with our brothers and sisters around the world. It is a good reminder for us not to forget that our mark as Christ-like disciples is love for one another beyond our localities and denominations. Forgiveness is the other side of the coin of love.

In fact, relationships are restored through forgiveness. It is great to allow the Lord to search our hearts and cleanse us from our guilt (Psalm 139:23-24).

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!