My mother used to say that a coat of paint hides a multitude of sins. Considering the condition of some of the vicarages we inhabited, and the extensive decorating that was needed, this was a maxim taken to heart by the whole family! Before moving in, we would visit with paint and brushes (fish ‘n’ chips) and make it habitable. Such fun!
I was reflecting on this as I was decorating the stairs in our home, using paint to cover surface anomalies, holes, plaster etc….
Lent is a time to consider our sinful lives, seeking forgiveness, and a ‘cleansing’ from God, of all that separates us from Him and from one another. As the psalmist says,
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.” (Psalm 51:1-2,9 NIV)
Whereas a coat of paint hides the ‘iniquities’ of past decor tastes and the passage of time, they are only covered up, masked, by the new paint…. or paper etc.
In God, we are transformed by His limitless love, in Jesus Christ: forgiveness, redemption, renewal, hope, salvation….. from whatever has befallen us in the past, consuming us by anxiety and fear, we are released. Thank God.
#LiveLent