Bridges of Reconciliation

Last night at Middle School Youth Group we talked about building bridges of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5 says we have been reconciled through Christ and that we are to be Ministers of Reconciliation.

The following story illustrates how Jesus builds bridges of reconciliation between people.

There were two brothers. Their father had a large farm and when he became too old to work, he called his sons to him. "I am too old to work anymore," he said. "I will divide my farm in half and give each of you one half. I know that you will always work together and will be good friends."

When the brothers first started farming on their adjoining farms, they were the best of friends and would share everything together. For years, they helped each other work the farms and even loaned each other equipment.

Then, one day there was an argument between the two brothers and they stopped speaking to one another. Things got so bad that one of the brothers took a bulldozer and dug a trench between the two farms so that a creek could run between them, creating a clear boundary.

For many years, not a word was spoken between them.

One day, one of the brothers was at his house when a carpenter came to his door and said, “I would like to do some work. Do you have any work that I can do?” The brother thought for a moment and then replied, “See that big pile of lumber over there by my barn? I want you to build an eight foot high fence out of it so I don’t have to look at my brother’s farm or even see his face anymore! I’m going into town and I’ll be back this evening.” The carpenter said he understood and would do his best.

When he came back that evening, he was shocked to see that the carpenter had not followed his instructions. Instead of building a high fence there, he had built a bridge over the stream. The man walked down to take a look at the bridge, and as he did, his brother walked toward him from the other side. His brother said, “After all the terrible things I’ve done to you over the years, I can't believe that you would build a bridge and welcome me back.” He reached out to his brother and gave him a big hug.

As the brothers had a happy reunion, the carpenter turned to go. “Wait,” the farmer said, “I have other jobs for you.” “No thanks,” said the carpenter as he hoisted his toolbox to his shoulder, “I have other bridges to build.”

Sometimes you and I have a disagreement with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When that happens, we often build a fence between ourselves and them. We stop talking to them. We don't want to see them. We don't want to be around them. That isn't what Jesus wants us to do. Instead of fences, he wants us to build a bridge of love between us.

Dear Father, we know it is your desire for us to live together in peace and harmony. Help us to love one another. Amen.