Lent 2018 Devotional: Day Twenty-Six

"Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one whom we must render an account." --Hebrews 3:12-13

There is a terrifying element to being fully exposed. We may hold back parts of ourselves from even those who are closest to us, out of fear of rejection, or hurting others. But nothing can be hidden from God. We may dwell on those parts of ourselves that hold shame, on choices we could have made differently, on times we have been cruel, petty, etc. God knows each part. And yet God offers the gift of grace, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. In him, we are freed to try again, to release our pain and shame and start anew.

What have you been holding on to? How can you offer this up to God? Where is Jesus in all this for you?

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