Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

~John 15:13 NIV

No one manages to get through life without at least a few scars.  If not physical, there are certainly emotional scars that we collect, but the testimony of our scars can speak loudly to others. 

While watching television once, I saw someone interviewing a retired firefighter. He had visible burn scars as evidence of his heroism. He had entered a burning building and rescued a woman and her child. Another young man displayed a large scar on his leg that resulted from using the roof of his family home as a skateboard ramp. It didn’t go quite as planned.

We are curious about others’ scars when we see them. Whether from morbid curiosity or an earnest desire to avoid danger ourselves, we want to know their story.

So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.

~Luke 10:34a

The chances are great that we will add a scar or two to our life story this year. They will give testimony about what will have transpired in the weeks and months before.

What story will your scars tell about your maturity, character, and choices?

Think of some steps you can take to ensure your scars come from acts of courage, honor, and integrity. Pray for kindness, humility, and compassion to mark your life. 

Share one of your scar stories.

Father God, thank You for forgiving me for all the foolish things I have done. Thank You for remembering how I was made, for Your compassion on my weaknesses, and for the countless times You have come to my rescue. Quicken me to choose the path of wisdom and to avoid the pitfalls of folly so when I stand before You, I will recount this year with joy, not regret.  And like the nail-scarred hands of Jesus, may the testimony of my scars be that of love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: The Testimony of Our Scars: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved