Connecting Point: Broken But Mended

When is the last time you noticed someone wearing torn and tattered work clothes? I see working individuals often sporting such attire; in fact, I’m the proud owner of some of those grease-stained clothes. My wife describes them as “shabby.” I’m certain you’ve also noticed that “ripped” jeans are also a fashion statement; it’s a fad that has come and gone at times. Thinking about this phenomenon, seldom do I hear my wife claim that our daughter’s clothes look “shabby.” Hmmm, what gives?

Cultures are interesting, some practices shift dramatically and other customs remain consistent over time. Middle Eastern cultures have for centuries practiced “rending garments” as an expression of intense grief. You’ve probably seen video footage of this in recent years from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran during times of war conflict. Scenes that are all too familiar, a mother sobbing as she grieves with her dead son lying in her arms or a father kneeling on the street with a neighborhood in ruins, are all heartbreaking. It is also customary when the tragedy is resolved or a grieving period would pass that the same garment would be sewn together being symbolic of healing.

American culture is somewhat opposite to the Middle East, we tend to “rend” our emotions and hide behind our attire. Some would say we’re more “sophisticated” due to our emotional response but that’s not necessarily true is it? Our emotional responses to tragedy or difficult times can sure vary. Some “wear” their emotions on their sleeves while others keep their emotions bottled up tightly, all of which have their pros and cons.

The Bible is not silent on the matter of our emotions and responses. Solomon makes the case “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to tear and a time to mend, (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7a). The words of Solomon are wise and true, they speak to realities we all face.

With all this in mind understand that the Gospel is deeply personal. When Christ took his last breath, the temple veil was torn from top to the bottom (Matthew 27:51). The cross of Christ is incomplete without his resurrected grave. God was mending our sinfulness and brokenness, through Jesus Christ, there is a time to tear and a time to mend. Salvation is deeply personal, without Christ’s act of love to reconcile us before God we are lost in sin, a torn relationship.

In addition, the Gospel is deeply personal because we are to be reconciled in our relationships with others. Paul speaks of the “ministry of reconciliation” in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. If we understand that Gospel at all, Christ’s forgiveness is given freely to us, in turn, we will forgive others. The heart of the Gospel is focused on mending what is broken. If we fixate on all that has been lost and lose sight of Christ’s power of forgiveness the tear is all that remains, just like a torn garment. A torn relationship is not fashionable; it’s an opportunity for Jesus to mend as only he can.

Don’t miss the opportunity that Jesus gives to mend any broken relationship. Pastor Rick Warren said, “When we focus on reconciliation, the problem loses significance and often becomes irrelevant.” Do you have a heart for reconciliation? I hope so; we should allow the Gospel to mend what’s broken.