No Words Needed

No Words Needed

The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)

Action: As you enter the room, sit quietly. Recall a time when you knew you were in the wrong and the person you injured had only to look at you for you to feel your guilt — no words needed. You may have been a child, breaking a garage window, a valuable vase, or other precious item; a teen, realizing you really messed up; or an adult, acknowledging you let down someone you love. Acknowledge that guilt, listing specifics in your thoughts as you talk to Jesus about it.

Read: Facing that guilt hurts. Nobody likes it. It separates us from other people and from God himself. But that guilt is not the end of the story, and we can put it behind us when we view and believe the wordless truth of the torn curtain. Jesus’ death paid for our guilt — for now and for all time. The torn curtain tells the story that, because of Jesus our Savior, we are no longer separated from God. He welcomes us to him.

In love, Jesus forgave. He went willingly to his cross in love and grace for you. He took your shame and guilt, forgiving every one of your sins.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, your love overwhelms me. Your forgiveness, freely given to me, enfolds me. Thank you. (Pause to reflect on those words.)  I ask you now to fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may forgive others in response to the forgiveness you freely give to me. Amen.

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