The first time I saw the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a machine gun turret was positioned on top. The beautiful Unter Den Linden Street ended at the gate’s bricked-off entrance, so no one could come out or go into East Berlin.
Armed soldiers stood on the east side of the wall with orders to shoot whenever someone tried to escape to West Berlin. The citizens of East Berlin were imprisoned for twenty-eight years, unable to leave without risking their lives.
Walls separate and destroy relationships. Sometimes, anger, resentment, and unforgiveness cause us to build walls. We do not realize the mental and physical impact on our health and relationships when we do not forgive.
At times, we can’t imagine how we could forgive someone because the hurt is too deep. We want to protect ourselves against further harm. We want to hurt the offender more by withholding forgiveness and keeping them behind our wall.
But when we forgive, we realize we imprisoned ourselves inside the wall meant for the other person. We may think they do not deserve forgiveness, but neither do we. Jesus has forgiven all our sins. We must trust Him to handle those situations according to His perfect will.
Paul reminds us to be kind and compassionate and forgive each other as God in Christ has forgiven us.
Think of some walls that you need to tear down.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and wal_172619.)
John Schliesser is a writer who is active in the prayer and prison ministries of his church. Since retirement from hospital administration, he has enjoyed helping his daughters with his nine grandchildren. Some of his activities include writing, working out, running, photography, and reading.