In 1961, a ninety-six-mile-long wall was erected by the communist East German
government to prevent residents of East Berlin from moving to West Berlin. The
wall split families and friends for twenty-eight years and East German guards
were ordered to shoot anybody who attempted to cross to West Berlin. Nearly one
hundred people died trying to escape.
On Nov. 9, 1989, jubilant East and West Berliners began tearing down the Berlin
Wall, a symbol of the Iron Curtain for 28 years. Tears of joy ran down the faces
of loved ones as they freely embraced family members and friends, now free to
move back and forth from the East to the West.
Yet, we continue to build walls and fences between us today. We fear the
unknown. If someone doesn't think, act, or believe the way we do, we tend not to
trust them, and we begin to build walls between us.
God loves all of us, for He created us in His image. His purpose for us, as
believers, is to reach out to those who are not yet members of His family, and
bring them in, rather than build walls to keep them out.
The Berlin Wall fell because the will of the people, the spirit of freedom,
didn't give up. Liberty, the cry of every human heart, triumphed. People are
still crying out for liberty, acceptance, forgiveness, and love. Isn't that the
reason Jesus sacrificed Himself for us?
Ephesians 5:2 – Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.
He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
(NLT)
Today, will you build a wall between yourself and someone that you don't
understand or will you reach out in love? In Christ, we are able.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and
slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven
you. (NLT)
Prayer: Holy Spirit, inspire us to become a welcoming church to all people. Help
us to stop labeling people and start looking through the eyes of Jesus at one
another as beloved children of Yours. Help us to break down the walls that
divide us. In Jesus' name, we ask. Amen.
Rosemary Hagedorn
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.