Understanding God’s Agency and the Meaning of Reconciliation in Simple Terms
Introduction: Explaining “All Things Are of God” in Simple Terms
Have you ever heard the phrase “all things are of God” and wondered what it really means? For many, it sounds deeply spiritual—maybe even mysterious or confusing. But at its heart, this biblical idea is both simple and incredibly encouraging. It’s about recognizing that God is the source and sustainer of everything, including our ability to change and grow. Understanding this can bring peace, purpose, and hope to our daily lives.
Paul’s Journey: From Self-Reliance to Trusting God
Let’s look at Paul, one of the most well-known early followers of Jesus. Paul’s life wasn’t always devoted to God—in fact, he started out as someone who opposed the followers of Jesus. He was passionate and driven, but he relied on his own strength and understanding. Everything changed when he encountered Jesus. Paul experienced a deep renewal of his heart, shifting from self-reliance to a life centered on God’s grace and power.
Paul often wrote that his transformation, his success, and even his willingness to risk everything to share the message of Jesus were not his own doing. He saw his life as a living example of how “all things are of God.” Paul didn’t take credit for his dramatic turnaround or his tireless ministry. Instead, he pointed to God as the One who made it all possible.
What Does Reconciliation Mean?
Another powerful idea Paul talked about is “reconciliation.” In everyday language, reconciliation means restoring a broken relationship—making peace where there was conflict or distance. According to Paul, humanity’s relationship with God was damaged by our choices and actions, but God didn’t leave things that way. Instead, God took the first step to heal that relationship through Jesus.
This is what Paul called “the ministry of reconciliation.” He believed he was given the responsibility to share the good news that God was bringing people back to Himself—not through rules or rituals, but through love and grace shown in Jesus Christ.
How Reconciliation Happens: Change in Us, Not in God
A key truth Paul emphasized is that reconciliation is about change in humans, not in God. Sometimes, people think that God is angry and needs to be convinced to love us again. But Paul made it clear that God’s character doesn’t change—God is always loving, patient, and ready to forgive. The real transformation happens in our hearts.
When we accept what Jesus has done for us, it’s like a door opening. We see God differently, and our own hearts are renewed. We move from fear and shame to trust and hope. God’s love and purpose become real to us, not because God changed, but because we did.
Common Misconceptions About God’s Nature
It’s easy to misunderstand God’s nature. Some imagine God as distant, harsh, or easily angered. Others see the idea of atonement—Jesus dying for us—as God needing to be appeased or convinced to forgive. But the Bible, especially through Paul’s writings, paints a different picture.
God didn’t need to change His mind about us; He always loved us. The problem was our perception and the brokenness in our hearts. Jesus came to reveal God’s true heart—a heart of compassion, mercy, and reconciliation. The cross wasn’t about changing God; it was about changing us, helping us see the depth of God’s love and opening a way for restored relationship.
Why This Truth Matters Today
Knowing that “all things are of God” can transform how we see our lives. It reminds us that we aren’t alone or left to figure things out by our own efforts. Just as Paul’s story shows, our ability to grow, forgive, and love others comes from God working in us. We don’t have to carry the weight of self-improvement alone.
The message of reconciliation means we can have peace with God—no matter our past mistakes or current struggles. God’s love is constant, inviting us to receive grace and start fresh every day.
Conclusion: Living in the Light of God’s Agency
In the end, the biblical message that “all things are of God” is about hope and renewal. Paul’s journey from self-reliance to trusting God encourages us to let go of the pressure to do it all ourselves. The ministry of reconciliation reminds us that God’s heart is always turned toward us, waiting for us to experience the transformation He offers through Jesus.
Let’s live with the confidence that God is at work in and through us, making all things new. When we embrace this truth, we can walk in freedom, love, and peace—knowing that everything truly is of God.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 