There are basically two kinds of people in the world: those who build walls and those who build bridges. The great American poet Robert Frost wrote, "Before you build walls, make sure you know what you are walling out and what you are walling in." Unfortunately, most of us have built some walls during our lives - perhaps even a few more than bridges. God suggests we rent a crane, one with a big steel ball at the end, and start knocking them down. With the walls crushed we can then build a bridge between us and the person with whom we didn’t get along. Bridge built, now love and joy begin to pass between us.

Bridge building becomes possible for the believer through the cross of Jesus Christ. His cross bridged the chasm of sin, alienation, and death that separated God from us. Faith in him now makes it possible for us to span the gulf that isolates us from certain family members and neighbors.

The story is told about a teenage girl who was told that if she stayed out beyond a certain time, she would have to eat bread and water at supper. She stayed out too late, so at supper time she was given bread and water. But as the family started to eat, the father reached over and took the bread and water and gave the daughter his own meal. They ate in silence for a while, and then the girl, with tears in her eyes, came over and put her arms around her father’s neck as she said, "Daddy, I’ll never disobey you again." Something had happened to her on the inside. No threat of punishment, no fear of consequences, could work a miracle like that. Only love, bridge-building love could do it.

When Christ came, he bestowed a kiss on a weary world. We have the sweet kiss of forgiveness and acceptance through his death and resurrection. It is not ours only to savor but also is ours to give. Give it today - especially to a person who might least expect it. Then stand back and watch out for crumbling walls.