Some days, I'm in a lot of pain. It seems that my whole body aches. Other days, it's like the pain moves from one place to another. It might be my legs or my feet or my knees or my hands. Oh, the joys of getting older and having arthritis! On the days when I have no pain, I am so grateful, and I try to figure out what I may or may not be doing to cause the pain.

Jesus knew all about pain. He suffered incredible pain when He died on the cross. We can't even begin to imagine how much pain He suffered! But we do know why.

Sin.

Not His sin, because He had no sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21 – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV 2011)

Our sin. He took our sins upon Himself.

1 Peter 2:24 – "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." (NIV 2011)

Love.

Our heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV 2011)

Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to give His very life for us and suffer the pain of dying on the cross so that we could be saved from our sins and have eternal life when we believe in Him and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour.

1 John 3:16a – This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. (NIV 2011)

John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. (NIV 2011)

Everyone has sinned.

Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV 2011)

Have you accepted God's forgiveness for your sins? Jesus paid the price. He is willing to forgive us when we come to Him in faith.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your only Son Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus, we can't begin to imagine the pain that You suffered on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could live forever. We thank You that even though we were sinners, You loved us so much that You were willing to suffer and die for us. What amazing love! We are humbled and grateful. By Your Spirit, help us to live our lives in a way that honours You and brings You glory. We pray in Your holy name. Amen.

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About the author:

Dee Renaud <dee.renaud@outlook.com>
Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada
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