Bridges are fascinating structures. They come in all sizes and shapes. There is a five-foot bridge made of 2X4s across the drainage ditch in my back yard. In Africa, we crossed many bridges made of tree trunks and rotting boards, sometimes by foot, and sometimes – gulp – by car. I’ve crossed the Mackinac and Golden Gate bridges at one time or another; both are stunning feats of engineering. I’ve read about the amazing 14-year construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, which still does its job with style nearly 140 years after completion.
Yet all bridges do the same, relatively simple thing: they provide a safe, straight path over otherwise unpassable terrain.
Christians are - or
should be – bridge builders. My pastor reminded me recently that we are called
to build bridges of grace and mercy that will support the weight of truth. We often wonder why so many people around us ignore
the gospel. Perhaps it’s because we are
focused on our words, while they are looking for grace and mercy. When we show grace and mercy in tangible
ways, the truth we speak is so much more acceptable.
That’s why wholistic ministry is so important, and why ECM
works hard to build bridges of grace and mercy.
We believe that love shown in practical ways will support the weight of
the gospel, leading many to believe. Jesus
brought good news for today, for tomorrow, and ultimately for eternity. Every act of love, like every word of truth,
moves people one step closer to accepting Christ’s atoning work on the cross.
Join with us today as together we build bridges of
grace and mercy that will support the weight of truth.
