Embracing Our Brokenness: The Beauty of Healing
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound paradox of being simultaneously broken and blessed. This paradox is a central theme in Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, where he reminds us that we are fragile vessels of clay, yet we carry within us the surpassing power of God. This duality is essential to our spiritual journey, as it keeps us grounded in our human frailty while also uplifting us with the divine strength that comes from Christ.
We began by reflecting on the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which beautifully illustrates this paradox. Kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. The result is a piece of art that highlights the beauty of its brokenness. Similarly, our lives, though broken, are mended by Christ's light, making our brokenness a testament to His grace and power.
In my fieldwork church in St. Louis, we practiced this concept by bringing in our broken pottery. These pieces were joined together in a bowl, symbolizing our collective brokenness and the healing we receive through Christ. This act served as a powerful reminder that we are healed by the Lord of the Sabbath, whose light shines in our hearts and mends our brokenness.
We then delved into the dangers of swinging the pendulum too far in either direction. On one hand, we might feel so shattered by life's hardships that we believe we are unworthy of God's love. On the other hand, we might try to present ourselves as whole and unbroken, living a life of an imposter. Both extremes are detrimental to our spiritual health. God wants us to maintain this paradox, acknowledging our brokenness while also embracing the healing and beauty that come from His light.
We also discussed the importance of allowing others to grieve their suffering. Sometimes, in our eagerness to share the good news of Christ's healing, we might inadvertently rush others through their grieving process. It's crucial to give people the space to mourn and to recognize that healing is a journey. Christ Himself dealt tenderly with those who were poor in spirit, acknowledging their brokenness while also offering them His healing touch.
The stained glass window in St. Louis, known as the "Feast of All Nations," further illustrates this message. The window depicts the tree of life emerging from baptismal waters, transforming into the cross, and culminating in the Eucharistic table where all nations gather. This imagery reminds us that there is no barrier of language or brokenness that Christ's love cannot overcome. The window also features the four evangelists, symbolizing the proclamation of the gospel to the ends of the earth. This serves as a powerful reminder that our broken lives, mended by Christ, are meant to shine His light to the world.
In conclusion, we are called to reveal our brokenness and share the comfort we have received from Christ with others. This is our ministry as members of the body of Christ. By doing so, we not only acknowledge our own need for God's grace but also become vessels of His comfort and healing for others.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Paradox of Brokenness and Blessing: We are fragile vessels of clay, yet we carry within us the surpassing power of God. This paradox keeps us grounded in our human frailty while uplifting us with divine strength. Embracing this duality allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace. [01:34]
2. The Beauty of Kintsugi: The Japanese art of Kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with precious metals, symbolizes how our broken lives are mended by Christ's light. Our brokenness becomes a testament to His grace, making us beautiful in our imperfections. [03:50]
3. Avoiding Extremes: It's important to maintain the balance between acknowledging our brokenness and embracing God's healing. Swinging the pendulum too far in either direction—feeling unworthy of God's love or pretending to be unbroken—can be spiritually harmful. [04:52]
4. Allowing Space for Grief: In our eagerness to share Christ's healing, we must be careful not to rush others through their grieving process. Healing is a journey, and it's crucial to give people the space to mourn and recognize their suffering. [05:54]
5. Sharing Comfort with Others: Our brokenness, mended by Christ, equips us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received. This is our ministry as members of the body of Christ, to reveal our brokenness and share His healing light with the world. [08:48]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - The Paradox of Brokenness and Blessing
[03:50] - The Beauty of Kintsugi
[04:52] - Avoiding Extremes
[05:54] - Allowing Space for Grief
[08:48] - Sharing Comfort with Others
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
2. Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he describes us as "jars of clay" in 2 Corinthians 4:7? How does this imagery relate to our human frailty? [01:34]
2. How does the Japanese art of Kintsugi illustrate the concept of being simultaneously broken and blessed? [03:50]
3. What are the dangers of swinging the pendulum too far in either direction regarding our brokenness, as mentioned in the sermon? [04:52]
4. How did the congregation in St. Louis symbolize their collective brokenness and healing through Christ? [02:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does acknowledging our brokenness while embracing God's healing help us maintain a balanced spiritual life? [04:52]
2. In what ways does the concept of Kintsugi reflect the beauty of Christ's healing in our lives? How does this change our perspective on our own brokenness? [03:50]
3. Why is it important to allow others the space to grieve their suffering, and how can rushing this process be detrimental to their healing? [05:54]
4. How does the imagery of the "Feast of All Nations" stained glass window in St. Louis reinforce the message of Christ's inclusive love and healing? [10:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt broken. How did you experience God's healing during that period? How can you share this experience to comfort others? [08:09]
2. Are there areas in your life where you are pretending to be unbroken? How can you start to reveal your true self and allow Christ's light to shine through your brokenness? [04:52]
3. How can you create a supportive environment for someone who is grieving, ensuring they have the space and time they need to heal? [05:54]
4. Think of a person in your life who is currently going through a difficult time. How can you offer them the same comfort and support that you have received from Christ? [08:09]
5. How can the concept of Kintsugi inspire you to see your own imperfections as a testament to God's grace and power? What practical steps can you take to embrace this perspective? [03:50]
6. In what ways can you actively participate in your church community to help others recognize and embrace their brokenness while also experiencing Christ's healing? [02:50]
7. How does the message of the "Feast of All Nations" stained glass window challenge you to break down barriers and extend Christ's love to people from all walks of life? [10:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Paradox of Brokenness and Blessing
We are fragile vessels of clay, yet we carry within us the surpassing power of God. This paradox keeps us grounded in our human frailty while uplifting us with divine strength. Embracing this duality allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace. Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians reminds us that our human weakness is not a barrier to God’s power but a vessel through which His strength is made perfect. This understanding helps us to remain humble and reliant on God, knowing that our brokenness is the very thing that allows His power to shine through us.
In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that remind us of our limitations and weaknesses. These moments can be discouraging, but they also provide opportunities for us to lean on God’s strength. By acknowledging our brokenness, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of Christ, who works through our imperfections to bring about His purposes. This paradox of being both broken and blessed is a central aspect of our spiritual journey, helping us to grow in faith and dependence on God. [01:34]
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most broken or weak? How can you invite God’s power to work through these areas today?
Day 2: The Beauty of Kintsugi
The Japanese art of Kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with precious metals, symbolizes how our broken lives are mended by Christ's light. Our brokenness becomes a testament to His grace, making us beautiful in our imperfections. Just as Kintsugi highlights the cracks and repairs in pottery, making them a focal point of beauty, Christ’s healing in our lives turns our brokenness into a testimony of His grace and power.
When we allow Christ to mend our brokenness, we become living examples of His redemptive work. Our scars and imperfections are not something to hide but to celebrate, as they demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love. This perspective shifts our focus from trying to appear perfect to embracing our flaws as opportunities for God’s grace to shine through. By sharing our stories of brokenness and healing, we can encourage others to seek Christ’s light in their own lives. [03:50]
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God’s healing in your life. How can you share this story to encourage someone else who might be going through a similar situation?
Day 3: Avoiding Extremes
It's important to maintain the balance between acknowledging our brokenness and embracing God's healing. Swinging the pendulum too far in either direction—feeling unworthy of God's love or pretending to be unbroken—can be spiritually harmful. On one hand, feeling overwhelmed by our brokenness can lead to despair and a sense of unworthiness. On the other hand, pretending to be whole and unbroken can create a facade that prevents genuine healing and growth.
God calls us to live in the tension of this paradox, recognizing our need for His grace while also embracing the healing and transformation He offers. This balance allows us to be authentic in our faith journey, acknowledging our struggles and weaknesses while also celebrating the victories and growth that come from God’s work in our lives. By avoiding these extremes, we can cultivate a healthy and honest relationship with God and others. [04:52]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are either feeling unworthy of God’s love or pretending to be unbroken? How can you bring these areas into the light of God’s grace and truth today?
Day 4: Allowing Space for Grief
In our eagerness to share Christ's healing, we must be careful not to rush others through their grieving process. Healing is a journey, and it's crucial to give people the space to mourn and recognize their suffering. Christ Himself dealt tenderly with those who were poor in spirit, acknowledging their brokenness while also offering them His healing touch. This approach teaches us the importance of empathy and patience in our interactions with others.
Grief is a natural and necessary part of the healing process. By allowing others the space to grieve, we honor their pain and create an environment where true healing can take place. It’s important to listen, offer support, and be present without trying to fix or rush the process. This compassionate approach reflects the heart of Christ, who meets us in our brokenness and walks with us through our pain. [05:54]
Matthew 5:4 (ESV): "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is currently grieving. How can you offer them support and compassion without rushing their healing process?
Day 5: Sharing Comfort with Others
Our brokenness, mended by Christ, equips us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received. This is our ministry as members of the body of Christ, to reveal our brokenness and share His healing light with the world. When we experience God’s comfort in our own lives, we are uniquely positioned to offer that same comfort to others who are struggling. This ministry of comfort is a powerful way to extend God’s love and grace to those around us.
By being open about our own experiences of brokenness and healing, we can create a safe space for others to share their struggles and seek God’s comfort. This mutual sharing and support strengthen the body of Christ and help us to grow together in faith. As we comfort others with the comfort we have received, we become vessels of God’s healing and grace, shining His light into the darkest places. [08:48]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you received comfort from God or others during a difficult season. How can you extend that same comfort to someone in need today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are all afflicted in every way, but we are not crushed, perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed. To a degree, Paul wants us to be somewhat defiant to our brokenness. Acknowledge it, but yet realize we are never fully broken to the point we're never worthy of God. To the point where we feel we have to put on a facade as an imposter to others. But that we can reveal ourselves with all the beauty of our brokenness, with the light of Christ shining through to comfort others." [09:24]
2. "Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who recognize that in their lives, in their self, they are broken human beings, dependent, hopefully, not on themselves, but dependent fully on God. So with this joinery called Kintsugi, what the Japanese did is they took broken vessels of clay, broken pottery or ceramic, and they joined it together so that the beauty of the joinery is highlighted." [01:34]
3. "Christ is our great healer. And this gorgeous kintsugi... ...is really a reflection of how, in our lives, we can swing the pendulum one way or the other. And that's what I want to talk about a little bit. God wants us to maintain this paradox, that we always are broken, and yet we are mended, and we are beautiful by his light shining through us." [03:50]
4. "The blessing God gives us in Scripture today is that we have this treasure, which is the all-surpassing power of God revealed to us in the face of Christ. That mends us through the light of His beauty. The light of His face shines in us through our brokenness." [04:52]
5. "Remember, Jesus said, This is my body which is given for you. In the King James Version, it would read, This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me when we take the Lord's Supper today." [06:42]
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's a Japanese type of artwork, it's called Sengugi, or Kintsugi, if I can say it right. It's golden joinery. And in our lives, as you know, we all have brokenness. And in fact, God wants us to realize that we are all broken. As you know that when he gave his beatitudes, he says, Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who recognize that in their lives, in their self, they are broken human beings, dependent, hopefully, not on themselves, but dependent fully on God." [01:34]
2. "In my fieldwork church in St. Louis, we were asked to bring in our broken pottery, our broken clay vessels, our broken ceramic pieces. And you can maybe see on the left-hand side, it's a little hard to tell in this circle picture that I have, or half-circle, but do you see that chest there on the bottom left? That's full of broken pottery. All broken pieces. So as a congregation, we brought in all of the brokenness from our lives. And then Sarah Bernhardt, who is the wife of the pastor, Bob Bernhardt, she happens to have her master's degree in art, and she's a phenomenal artist." [02:50]
3. "And what I mean by that is, we certainly are all blessed by the work of Christ in our lives. Yet when we're conversing with others who are going through brokenness in their lives, in particular, say, a certain degree of suffering, we can sometimes say so strongly that, you know, Christ has healed you, you are a new creature in Christ. Somewhat deny a place for them to actually grieve their own suffering. And some of you may have gone through that, where there's a desire imposed on you, maybe by some of us or by others, to sort of be healed a little bit sooner than you really are inside." [05:54]
4. "The message is really clear. God wants to mend everything in our life, but He doesn't want us to lose the thought that we are dependent fully yet on Him, that we are broken human beings. And again in our Scripture message where Paul speaks to his Corinthian church, trying to comfort them, trying to bring them to a state of enhanced understanding. He says, For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made His light shine in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory, displayed in the face of Christ." [07:29]
5. "So as we reflect today on this, know that God wants your brokenness to be revealed. And why? Because in brokenness, when we look at our own journey in life, we have a chance to comfort others. And Paul goes on to say earlier in his letter to the Corinthians that, The Father of all mercies and God of all comfort, that, Because of this, He who comforts us in all our troubles, does so that we can comfort others with the same comfort that we ourselves receive from God." [08:09]
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