John 20: The Scars of Easter
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Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.
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The resurrection of Christ erased the power of death, but it did not erase the scars.
Jesus received those scars by loving us so much he gave his life that we might have life. Self-giving love always leaves a mark. But God honors those scars, even in resurrection.
They are not signs of failure or defeat. In God's hands, the mark of love is always a sign of victory. And when we love, others always know us by our hands.
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Lord, I have often been scarred by love.
Sometimes I am afraid to try again.
Heal my broken heart and raise me to new life.
Let my hands always be a sign of love.