“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love”.

Romans 5:3-4

Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the cracks with gold. Not only does this make the piece unique by not hiding the fact that it was once broken, but it also makes it more valuable because of its rich and precious scars.

Many of us have deep rooted wounds that we have nursed for many years. Whether it is bitterness, anger, or resentment, we often find comfort in hoping it will just go away, or even waiting for that perfect moment for revenge. Sadly too, many times, the person that caused the hurt is still a part of our lives, and our wounds are re-opened time and time again. Though we have good intentions to one day mend our wounds, they often become a chronic infection that affects every part of our being.

When Peter asked Jesus how many times he must forgive someone, Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). That can sound impossible! Especially when our wounds are deep or recurring. But we know that with God all things are possible, and each time we forgive, even if it is just a little bit, our wounds are filled with squiggles of gold that God uses to refine us and reshape us. And even though our relationship with the person who hurt us may never be restored (that is not a requirement of forgiveness), what is important is that our relationship with our Father grows stronger and we become more valuable to Him.

Our squiggles of gold remind us how dearly God loves us. And just as the gold scars of Kintsugi enhances the repair, God will use our precious scars – whether there is one, or seventy times seven – to strengthen our faith, to build our character, and to bring us hope that one day we will be completely healed! We might also become an example for someone else to see God’s goodness in us 😊.

Forgiveness is not something that comes naturally though and can take time so don’t ever give up. God is patient with us, but we must also be patient as we wait for His rich mercy and precious love to fill our wounds. Ask God to bring you courage and wisdom as He works in you to fill your wounds with spiritual riches. Joy and peace await!

12 words

Forgiving hearts are full of spiritual riches exposing the Kingdom of heaven!

Dear God, you know the wounds that I bear in my heart and the amount of time that they have been there. You also know the situation and the challenges that keep them from healing. But God, I know the Hope of your salvation and the riches of your love! Bring me your Words of encouragement and your Spirit of empowerment to forgive and begin healing today. Amen.

Scripture Reflection:
Romans 5:1-5
Matthew 18:21-22
I Peter 1:3-8