Heart walls don’t just wall people out of your life. They wall you in, all by yourself. Heart bridges bring light as you see your concerns and struggles reflected in others and realize that we’re all basically the same.

A wall may be good for protection, but when it comes to connection, the idea of a wall is “off the wall.” Hard hearts are surrounded by the smoldering ruins of burned bridges. Focus on self produces “I”-solation (the feeling of being alone), but focus on others releases the consolation of community.

Some people build verbal walls with threats, labels, and insults. Others build word bridges with compliments, blessings, and thanksgiving. If you give people easy access to your heart (by taking down walls and building bridges), you might get hurt, but the joys of connection will far surpass any pain.

Those who fear to leave the walls that surround their comfort zone, miss the joy of following Jesus through His open fields. Worship should spontaneously connect us with God and with one another. It shouldn’t wall us into isolation thru programs, ritual and formality. The body of Christ is connected by spiritual bridges going from heart to heart. Religion, like fog, often obscures those bridges.