Thank You for the Cross

The cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ should produce in us a response of gratitude. Gratitude that wells up like a spring inside our hearts and bursts forth, whether in praise or in giving thanks to God.

Consider. Christ told us to love our enemies, and He himself did exactly that as he bled on a cross while we were still sinners alienated from God and hostile in our minds (Romans 5:8, Colossians  1:21). What great love is this! 

And this isn't even all we can be grateful for! Jesus rose again, ensuring eternal life for all who believe, and setting those free who suffered from fear of death and were thus enslaved. And after he rose again, he ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit, by whom we have access to the Father that we can call Abba! (Ephesians 2:18, Romans 8:15). 

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit places us into a family: the church, where God is our Father, Jesus is our brother (Hebrews 2:11-12), and all we who are known by God (Galatians 4:9) are brothers and sisters, born again. Born by God. God places the orphans in families, and he has not left us orphans, giving us His Holy Spirit. 

With Christ's work, we have a new identity. We are new creations no longer defined by our pasts (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are children of God (1 John 3:1). We are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's very own people, holy and dearly loved (1 Peter 2:8, Colossians 3:12).

This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what gifts we have received in Christ. Yet this is a good start. When you consider these realities along with me, are you too not grateful? What else can you find to be grateful for with the cross? 

May you receive a revelation of your Father's love for you, and may you bless His name! In John 4, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that God the Father is seeking people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24). Gratitude is a form of worship as we give thanks to God for who He is, and what he has done for us. On the cross, we see the mercy of God on display as Christ died for our sins and took away from all who believe in Him the wrath of God (John 3:36). We see God’s grace on display because God freely gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 8:32). With him, there is no condemnation but life forevermore and justification in His sight. We are the righteousness of God in Christ! No one can stand against us because God has already proven He is for us. If He is for us, of what shall we be afraid? What can put us to shame? Christ knew us completely, and he loved us still. 

Thank God today. Truth be told, it is a gift in and of itself to be able to come before the presence of God and thank Him (Hebrews 4:14-16). Please don’t take it for granted. Once we were sinners, but now we are children of light. No one can see God and live, but we can stand before Him boldly. I thank God for that. 

About the author

Ozi (her name is pronounced like cozy) is a daughter of God who loves exploring worlds through books and penning stories. An MPH student at Kent State University, she enjoys the opportunity to help women and girls as a community health worker at her local health department. Outside of work and school, Ozi loves reading her Bible, writing poetry on her Instagram (@shepensfortheking) and helping lead worship at her church.