Definition: And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Verse 18 from 2 Corinthians 5:18. It’s a really important and layered message about how we relate to God. Here's a simplified explanation: Essentially, it says: “All things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and gives us the opportunity to be in right relationship with him.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: “All things are of God…” – This means everything that happens in the world – good and bad, joy and sorrow, life and death – is ultimately connected to God. God isn't just involved in everything; He actively shapes it all. It’s like a giant, interconnected web. “…who hath reconciled us to himself…” – This is the key part! “Reconciled” means bringing something back together or making things right. It suggests a brokenness or conflict that God wants to heal. Think of it like a disagreement between two people; God wants to make them friends again. “…by Jesus Christ…” – This is the crucial point. Jesus Christ is the central figure in this reconciliation. He’s the one who brought about this healing and restoration. “…and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation;” – “Ministry” means a task or role. “The ministry of reconciliation” means God has given us the opportunity to work towards that relationship with Him. It's not something we can achieve on our own, but we have a way to do it. So, put simply: God wants to restore a broken relationship between us and Himself. Jesus Christ is the bridge that brings us back together, and we have the ability – through faith and repentance – to work towards that reconciliation with him. It's a promise of forgiveness and a path to a deeper connection with God. In a nutshell: God wants a relationship with us, and Jesus Christ makes it possible! --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the concept of "reconciliation" further? Talk about the significance of Jesus Christ's role?