15:6 The Ministry of Reconciliation Instead of reconciliation, Absalom provoked rebellion against his father and “stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.” Peacemaking and reconciliation are never easy and have no guarantee of success. But we are called to seek a settlement whenever possible (Rom 12:18; 2 Cor 5:18-19). In doing so, we follow in the footsteps of our heavenly Father, who “devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him” (2 Sam 14:14).