In most cultures when you break something, you either hide it or you throw it away. But centuries ago, the Japanese culture decided to do something different. They developed a practice called kintsugi, which is best translated as “golden joinery.” The idea was to take a broken dish or bowl and join the pieces back together. Rather than trying to hide or mask the imperfections, they would highlight them with gold. The result was not only a broken object made whole again but also an object that significantly increased in value.

Ever since the Garden of Eden we have been trying to hide our brokenness. We see our imperfections as things to be ashamed of until we can fix them or hide them well enough. We think real beauty depends on how perfect we are, and we dismiss others or even ourselves when brokenness is revealed.

But look at what Jesus did: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31,32).

He came to collect all the broken pieces of what sin has done to you and to make you whole again. When sinners repent and welcome Jesus to address the brokenness, the result is amazing. People are made whole again, and by virtue of Jesus’ righteousness, their value is infinitely increased.

Keep in mind today that Jesus views brokenness as an opportunity to add beauty and value.