Bridges That Seem Too Far

Read Colossians 3:1–4:18

10. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
11. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
14. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:10-15

In 1944, Allied armies launched a disastrous mission along a narrow corridor through Holland to reach a bridge on the Rhine. The story came to be called “A Bridge Too Far.”

Like the Allies’ mission to reach this bridge, efforts to bridge gaps between races, social classes, and religious denominations may seem too costly and unattainable. But Paul has the solution for this impossible mission: Jesus Christ. As you read, consider the walls that separate you from others. Determine, through Christ, to tear down those walls and build bridges.

This passage also has a lot to say about successful parenting, loyal employment, and setting life goals. At the end of his letter, Paul sends greetings to friends near and far.

Jesus does not discriminate between people on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic background, level of education, or social position. He ignores all social distinctions and accepts all people who come to him in faith (Colossians 3:11).

Looking around the world, we see that such acceptance is not the norm. People constantly make distinctions between each other on the basis of nationality, race, education level, social standing, wealth, gender, religion, and power. Cultures practice and protect these distinctions. Governments sanction them. People fight over them. But God hates distinctions.

Do not be like the world. Do not discriminate against others because of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Instead, pray that God will help you to love all people, and welcome them into your church community. Be like Jesus, befriending and loving those who are different from you. Never treat them as lesser people.