21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.REFLECTIONSWritten by Trung NguyenNot knowing where you stand in a relationship can be very confusing. This is a familiar feeling for all of us in our own relationships and maybe also how we feel in our standing before God. Paul’s words in this passage provide clear statements on where we stand before God. Verse 21 speaks about how we were once alienated and enemies of God because of our evil behaviour. It then continues with “But now”. But now he has reconciled you through Christ’s physical death. What amazing words that show a change of our standing before God as enemies and now as reconciled.We see that God’s purpose in reconciling us to himself was to present us holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (v22). How do you feel about where you stand with God after hearing this? I feel a sense of relief and so much thankfulness! What a scary thought if God was just, but not merciful, and if he had no regard for his creation. How awesome is knowing where we stand with the one true God. We who were enemies of God, now reconciled by the blood and death of Jesus on the cross.Paul urges the Colossians and us now to live as reconciled former rebels. To continue in the faith, established and firm, not moving from the hope held out in the gospel. Holding onto the promises of a God who is faithful to His people and to Himself – and we have seen his faithfulness in sending the redeemer promised all through the Old Testament: Jesus Christ.I wonder if you can remember a time when you started to question where you stand with God. What were you going through, how were you feeling? The next time we start to question where we stand with God, may we look to Paul’s words and be reminded that we are reconciled rebels because Christ was crucified in order that we may be holy, without blemish and free from accusation.ABOUT THE AUTHORTrung is a member of our Fairfield Evening Church.