Be completely humble and gentle,
be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2, 3
John and his brother were
farmers. They worked side by side. They shared machinery, traded labor and
goods. Their conflict started as a small disagreement, but escalated until they
no longer spoke. One day the younger brother bulldozed their adjoining meadow
until a creek separated the two farms.
Shortly after there was a
knock on John’s door. A carpenter stood with his toolbox in hand. “I’m looking
for a few days work.”
“I do have a job for you,”
said John. “I want you to build an 8-foot fence so that I can’t even see my
brother’s place. That will show him.”
“I think I see the
situation,” said the carpenter. “Just get me the lumber and nails and I will do
a job that pleases you.”
At sunset John returned to
the farm to find the job finished. However, to his astonishment there was no
fence. Instead there was a bridge over the creek. John’s younger brother was
coming across, his hand outstretched. “You are quite a man to build this bridge
after all I’ve said and done.”
The two brothers met in
the middle, taking each other’s hand. Forgiveness took place. They turned to
see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. “No, wait. I’ve a lot of
other projects for you to do,” said John.
“I’d love to stay on,” the
carpenter said,” but I have many more bridges to build.”
Are you a bridge builder?
All of us have experienced conflict with friends or family. Forgiving is tough.
When we have been hurt, we want to hurt back. That is our sinful nature. We
were born with it. Building bridges does not come naturally.
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover
that the prisoner was you. Is there a bridge you need to build or repair?
Forgiving won’t change the past, but it certainly changes the future. Do
yourself a favor and forgive.
Bear with each other and forgive one
another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
Dear
Father, Teach us to be bridge builders. Thank You for Your forgiveness.
Janice
Yandell
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