Being a third person in a conversation often provides a unique opportunity for building.  A friend calls to talk because she has been hurt by someone else you both know. How will you respond?  Will you help build a bridge or help construct a wall?

Paul helped build a bridge between Philemon and Onesimus.  Onesimus, a run away slave, had clearly wronged Philemon, his master.  Yet, Paul stepped in to help the two reconcile.

Building a bridge:

• Reconciliation acknowledges the problem.
• Reconciliation offers a solution.
• Reconciliation involves forgiveness.
• Reconciliation involves being willing to change your mind about someone.
• Reconciliation is a choice.

Building a wall:

• Separation replays the problem.
• Separation offers no solution.
• Separation refuses to forgive.
• Separation permanently nails the offense to the other person.
• Separation is a choice.

God chose reconciliation.  He built a bridge between Himself and you.  That bridge is Christ.

Choose reconciliation.  Bridges will take your further!

Philemon, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21