“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:18-19.
Two brothers who had adjoining farms, fell into conflict. The elder brother called a carpenter and asked him to build a wall between them. The carpenter went straight to work. By the time work was nearly finished. It turned out that it was not what he had asked of the carpenter. Instead of building a fence, the carpenter had built a bridge between the two farms. When the younger brother saw this, he was overcome with remorse. He came over to the older brother and embraced him. “I am so sorry.” He said to him, “By building this bridge, you showed that you have a bigger heart.” The older brother had tears in his eyes. He thanked the carpenter for his work of building a bridge instead of the intended fence.
The Bible calls believers to be bridge builders. God has handed us a ministry of reconciliation and connection. God through us is reconciling the world to himself following Jesus' example by becoming the mediator between God and humanity. We can't settle for a less than the desired calling of God for us all. Jesus has removed the wall of partition amongst diverse groups, there’s no more Jews/Gentile, rich/poor through the love of God shed abroad in our hearts. Peacemaking, sharing the Gospel, and fostering unity, making a way for others to find God and community has become our mandate. You can't just continue to merely attend church to feel good. This mandate involves actively reaching out, listening, breaking down walls, and showing radical grace to connect the lost to Christ and the disconnected to the church.
You don't become a bridge builder by mere words, you must cultivate empathy and understanding. Be a sincere and attentive listener. Truly hear others' perspectives without immediately formulating a rebuttal. Active listening involves paying full attention, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting on what has been said. Seek to Understand Before Being Understood: Adopt the principle of attempting to grasp the motivations, fears, and hopes of others, especially those with whom you disagree. Recognize shared humanity. Focus on the fundamental values and needs that all people share, such as the desire for safety, respect, and belonging, which often outweigh surface-level differences. If you can add this understanding to your knowledge of the will and word of God, you will become an enduring bridge builder not a wall maker. Selah!
FURTHER READING:
“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Cor. 3:6.
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, I thank You for calling me to be a peacemaker and a child of God, following the example of Jesus. Grant me the wisdom to understand, the grace to listen, and the courage to speak words that heal, not harm. Remove from me any pride or desire to be right, replacing it with a deep longing for reconciliation and Your glory. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I might see the good in others, even those who seem like enemies, and respond with generosity, not retaliation. Help me to walk in humility, showing respect and dignity to all in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Cor. 13:1-13.
1 Cor. 14:1-40.
1 Cor. 15:1-58.
1 Cor. 16:1-24.
2 Cor. 1:1-24.
2 Cor. 2:1-17.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“When Self Is Enthroned, God Is Dethroned. But When God Is Enthroned, Self Is Dethroned. Choose Who You Enthrone In Your Life.”
