Fourteen Tissues and a Thousand Tears

I just finished watching "The Passion of the Christ". The last time I watched it, it had just come out on video back in 2004--I was only eight years old. I remember crying when my family watched it, and I knew Jesus had died for our sins, but it wasn't until I watched it tonight that I fully understood, visually, what He had gone through for my sins--everyone's sins.

My heart ached for His suffering and tears streamed down my cheeks, a tissue box readily at hand. I was upset at the people who harassed Him, betrayed Him, lied about Him, crucified Him. Yet, He bore it all. He prayed for them as He hung up on the cross, He begged the Lord to forgive them. He loved them despite their unjust action. John 13:34 says, "A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another." Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus says, "You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and too often we take it for granted. He loved us so much that He died a gruesome criminal's death in order to save us. 

I watched that movie for a reason: to remind myself of what the Lord endured to give me freedom and to remember what true love looks like. How I treasure what He's done.

Blessings,

~Twyla