Wow! Even I had to step back with this topic and say, ” Oh my goodness! I know you are wondering where I am going with this title. Certainly, as I began to think about the Easter season and all it means to us as Christians, I had to think about Christ’s suffering. For us to live again, He had to die a painful death. When Jesus died on the cross, He was “Hurting with Love!” Love made Him not come down from the cross.

Therefore, we know there will be times and episodes of hurt, pain, brokenness, and heartache we must endure. The question is, how will we handle it? Will we be vengeful, hateful, or unforgiving toward our malefactors? Or will we be forgiving as Christ desires us to be? “Hurting with Love!”

When someone hurts us, especially without any rhyme or reason, the deeds can cause us to no longer love the individual. But, think about Jesus, who never committed any sin and is without blame, blemish, or faults. But despite his innocence, He hung on the cross with two thieves. Nevertheless, through the mockery, spitting upon, and whipping, His love could and did remain. What an example for you and me! “Hurting with Love!”

Notwithstanding, Christ’s example must be our goal, as hard as it may appear to be. Jesus will strengthen us through every hurt and pain. Don’t let His death be in vain and fruitless in your life. Even after being hurt, you can love again! He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Encourage Someone!”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie