When Love Hung on a Cross
I sat in the quiet this morning, coffee in hand, Bible open, and heart tender. Good Friday. The name alone used to puzzle me. What’s so good about it? I’d wonder. It’s the day Jesus was betrayed, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross, and left to die. The day darkness fell in more ways than one. It seemed anything but good.
But now? I see it differently.
Good Friday is not good because of what happened to Jesus. It’s good because of what Jesus did for us.
It’s good because on this day, over 2,000 years ago, love didn’t run away. Love didn’t retreat. Love stood still, arms stretched wide, heart poured out, and bore the full weight of our brokenness.
The Beauty in the Broken
When I reflect on the cross, I’m brought face to face with the depth of God’s love. A love that doesn’t flinch at the sight of my mess. A love that doesn’t keep its distance when I feel unworthy. A love that said, “I’ll go,” even when it meant suffering, shame, and death.
And here’s what wrecks me—in the best way—every single time: Jesus wasn’t forced. He chose the cross.
He chose it for you.
He chose it for me.
He chose it so that death wouldn’t have the final word. So that our sins, no matter how deep, wouldn’t keep us from a holy God.
He saw the joy on the other side of the pain. The joy of redeeming us. The joy of reunion. The joy of love made whole again.
Why Is It Called “Good”?
The term “Good Friday” can feel like an oxymoron if we’re only looking through human eyes. But from Heaven’s perspective, it was the day the plan of salvation unfolded in full measure.
The word “Good” in this context isn’t about happiness or ease. It’s about holiness. Redemption. Victory. It’s good because Jesus did what only He could do: take the punishment we deserved and offer us forgiveness in return.
Without the cross, there would be no resurrection.
Without death, there would be no victory.
Without Good Friday, Easter Sunday loses its meaning.
It was the worst of humanity met by the best of God.
When Life Feels Like a Friday
Maybe today you’re in a “Friday” season yourself—heavy, uncertain, grieving, or just plain tired. If that’s you, hold on. Because Good Friday reminds us that even when the sky grows dark and hope feels buried, Sunday is coming.
God is always writing a story greater than what we can see.
The cross tells us that pain doesn’t get the last word. Love does.
An Invitation to Remember
So today, I pause. I remember. I marvel.
At the blood that washed me clean.
At the body broken for my healing.
At the Savior who didn’t turn back.
And I let it humble me. Change me. Move me to tears and worship and gratitude.
Because this isn’t just an event in history—it’s the turning point of eternity.
So yes, it’s Good.
So very Good.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
To You, Friend:
If you’ve never known a love like this, can I gently say… it’s for you. You are not too far gone. You are not too broken. You are loved with a love that went to the cross and conquered the grave to bring you home.
This Friday, don’t just remember the pain. Remember the purpose.
Because when Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant your shame, your sin, your striving—they’re finished too.
That’s why we call it Good.
