Rejoice in our reconciliation with God

The LifeWay Explore the Bible Commentary makes the point that “atonement” is used KJV translation of Romans 5:11. At the time the word meant “at-one-ment”—making two separate parties (enemies) into one, which is the idea of the word “reconciliation.”


Step 8. We can rejoice that we are reconciled to God. He is our friend and vice versa. Ask the class if they have ever reconciled with a former enemy? Let them share examples. For me, I was once at odds with a co-worker named Steve. Our disagreement over company strategy was so profound that it lead to a poor working relationship. After praying about it, I met with Steve to reconcile and took a Peace Pipe as a gift to “open the door”. We became fast friends afterwards. Think of someone you need to reconcile with and take action this week to do so.

Step 9. Summarize with the thought that we can rejoice in the benefits we have from reconciliation with God. Here is a list I gathered from Romans 5:1-11: peace with God, access to God, hope of glory, patience, Godly character, divine optimism, rejoicing when afflicted, rejoicing in the presence of God in our lives, knowledge of truth, spared from God’s wrath, and God’s love.