One definition for the word bridge from Oxford Dictionaries, “Something that is intended to reconcile or form a connection between two things.” This definition is at the heart of God. Sin disrupted the unity between God and man. There is now a separation; a separation that can only be bridged by a pure love from a perfect God. The way back to God is through Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5-6a says, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.”
Also at the heart of God is kindness. From Never Forgotten Always Loved by DaySpring, November 14, “Kindness is one of the greatest blessings of life. It builds bridges instead of walls. It finds ways to heal instead of hurt. It seeks ways to build up instead of tear down. It looks for ways to encourage instead of disappoint. The eyes of kindness see other’s needs. The heart of kindness reaches out to touch, to help, and to support. Kindness mellows hardness, bends stiffness, warms coldness and smooths roughness. Kindness changes the disposition of the serpent into the nature of the dove and the judge into a minister of mercy.”
Earthly life is full of tension. You feel it everyday, yet tension can be diffused when you receive Christ and allow Him to love others (and yourself) with His style of love. God gives you every tool needed to live the abundant life on this side of heaven. You learn of His love in the pages of His Holy Word. Study the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and learn how Jesus lived in the tension of everyday life. He never stopped abiding in the presence of His Father. Every one of His thoughts was under the authority of the Father. His continual focus was on eternal truths.
God has given you the Bible so you can focus like Christ as you live in tension-filled days. He has also given you the Holy Spirit who engages your heart and soul to God.
Here are 5 things about kindness that is revealed in the above quote: 1. It finds ways to heal. 2. It seeks to build up. 3. It looks for ways to encourage. 4. It pays attention to other’s needs. 5. It reaches out to lend a hand. Essentially, kindness is very active. Also notice how kindness softens hardness, bends stiffness, warms coldness and smooths roughness. As you live out your faith, kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that builds a bridge of understanding with another. God uses it to bind the enemy’s tactics and lead you and hopefully others to Himself.
One example of kindness in the Bible is the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. Will you take the time to live like the good Samaritan? Jesus tells an expert in religious law this parable then tells him, “Now go and do the same.”37 The Kingdom of God will grow when you and I build bridges through kindness.
Jesus says in Luke 6:35-36, “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
Where can you be kind? Seek the Lord and He will place you where you can shine His Light the brightest. Love others well today.
Carol J German 