The American Heritage Dictionary states that reconcile means, "To re-establish friendship between. To settle or resolve, as a dispute." The way to overcome enmity, ill will or hostility is to take away the cause of the quarrel. We may apologize for the hasty word; we may pay the money that is due; we may make what restitution is appropriate, but in every case, the way to reconciliation is by effectively dealing with the root cause of the enmity. Reconciliation in the New Testament is to change or exchange enmity for friendship, by the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. Reconciliation is the removal of enmity that stands between people and God (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21) (Bible Knowledge Commentary, page 457).

God's alienation from us is ended by removing the cause of alienation (our sin, guilt, and condemnation) by the death of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). In this sense, reconciliation is objective (2 Corinthians 5:18‑19). However, it must be "received" (Romans 5:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20), by the laying aside of our own alienation and hostility, that is, by repentance and faith in Christ (New Geneva Study Bible, page 1775).

As I was thinking about this information on reconciliation, I thought of Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul. He was a persecutor of Christ and His people, an enemy of Christ to the max. Then this happened:
God's enemy became one of God's best friends through the death of His Son. Paul later would say Jesus' ministry was a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). As stated earlier, this reconciliation has to be received "...be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

In 1829 a man named George Wilson robbed the United States postal service, killing a person in the process. Later he was caught, found guilty and was sentenced to die for his crime. Some friends intervened in his behalf and were able to speak to the then President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. President Jackson gave a pardon on Wilson's behalf. When Wilson was informed of this pardon he refused to accept it!

An appeal was sent back to President Jackson asking to advise. The President, not knowing what to do, turned to the United States Supreme Court for an answer. The Court gave this ruling: "A pardon is a piece of paper, the value of which depends upon its acceptance by the person implicated. It is hardly to be supposed that a person under the sentence of death would refuse to accept a pardon; but, if it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must die." The sentence of death was carried out upon George Wilson even though a pardon was lying in the sheriff's office.

The Bible tells us,
A pardon is waiting for you.