Blog Post: Learning To Be A Bridge of Love
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the way people come to know God. For a long time, I saw things in very clear lines: right and wrong, truth and deception, narrow and wide paths. But as I’ve walked with Jesus longer, I’ve realized there’s a tenderness in how He meets every human right where we are, guiding us patiently toward deeper understanding. The more I listen and learn, the more I see that people’s relationship with God doesn’t have to fit into the boxes of my rigid thinking. Scripture proves a relationship with God doesn’t have to fit neatly into categories, God meets people right where they are.
The God Who Meets Us Along the Way
Jesus is deeply humble. He never forces His will on any us but walks beside us, meeting us right where we are, even before we fully recognize His presence. For example, there is a story in the Bible where after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus meets two disciples walking along a road to a city called Emmaus. He walks and talks with them without ever revealing who He was until the very end. (Luke 24:13-15) I can’t help but wonder if many of us are on journeys like that: walking with Jesus, learning from Him, not yet realizing its Jesus we’ve been talking to.
I’m learning not to see spirituality and faith as black and white as I used to. There is a lot of gray area. The Bible is filled with examples of that too. What about Esther becoming queen because she slept with the king and was chosen for that? What about Peter and Paul having a disagreement over what the early church should preach? I think as soon as we come to the conclusion that we know it all is the moment we start to put God in a box. And the more I let go of that box and start admitting I know very little, the revelation of the main thing comes in – the revelation of love.
God’s Love Has No Favorites
God is love (1 John 4:8) and it is the fundamental tenant of Christian belief. Who are we to judge people who are on their own journey of discovering Jesus? A great examples is Jesus saying whoever isn’t against us is for us. (Mark 9:40) And another example is Cornelius, who the Bible says was a Roman army officer who feared God and who prayed regularly. (Acts 10:2) Cornelius had a real relationship with God having never chosen to accept or follow Jesus. Peter even says something later on to Cornelius that implies that Cornelius had even heard of Jesus and what happened after His crucifixion so even in that very moment, God wasn’t criticizing or bringing down Cornelius for not following Jesus. If anything, God sent Peter to Cornelius to witness who Jesus really is.
The story of Cornelius is a great example of God’s perspective of people and where they are at in their relationship with Him. Peter even says after meeting Cornelius and having a vision where God says all animals are clean that he realized “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35) God taught Peter to be more open minded about all people. Peter then goes on to tell Cornelius and his household the story of Jesus and the Bible says as Peter talks, the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his house.
Living as Bridges of Love
I’m learning that when others encounter us, they should encounter bridges to deeper and fuller revelations of God and His love. That our message to the world, especially people who feel they are on their own journey of understanding, should say, “yes.. and” not “no… but”
So as we walk through life and meet others on their journeys, may we remember that our role isn’t to draw lines around who’s in or out, it’s to extend the love of Christ that draws people in. Jesus is still walking beside people today, just as He did on the road to Emmaus, revealing Himself in His timing and His way. God knows what’s happening in every heart far better than we ever could. Like Cornelius, many are already seeking and connecting to Him.
Our part is to live in such a way that when people encounter us, they experience a glimpse of God’s love: the same love we’ve come to know through Jesus. As we show up authentically, understanding that God excludes no one, and share His love freely, the Holy Spirit will move and the people will have a true encounter with God.
