Have you ever noticed the similarity between the color of a rose and the color of blood? Blood has such a negative connotation, while a rose receives high praises. Literally speaking, blood, of course, is not pleasant. But figuratively speaking, it can be. Now, I know what you are thinking. How can blood be pleasant in ANY way, figuratively or literally? But if we look at blood in a different sense, it will shine light as to how it can be perceived.
BLOOD: "The red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues" (Google's definition).
Blood, as seen through this definition, is a necessity. This, I am sure, you already know. Therefore, why do we seemingly hate it? In a similar fashion, blood can metaphorically symbolize hardships. Blood, sweat, and tears is a saying many of us are familiar with. It's something we can associate with hard work, or even what we have "spilled out" in various trials of our lives. "If something will take blood, sweat and tears, it will be very difficult and will require a lot of effort and sacrifice" (usingenglish.com). Yet at the end of the day, that effort and sacrifice shapes us into the person we are; gives us the color to our rose.
Jesus understands how detrimental blood is.
Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out FOR many FOR the forgiveness of sins"
Ephesians 2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST"
Acts 20:28 "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,which he obtained with his own blood"
Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. The ultimate sacrifice. The very proof of his love for us. Jesus endured criticism, physical beatings, and death for us, for YOU. YOU were bought with a price: Jesus' blood, his death, on the cross. But he rose again. Death brought life. Grief turned to joy, to hope. We were created in God's image; Jesus is who we are to model our lives after. Jesus endured death to save you from your sins, making your trials measly in comparison. Just as his death reaps life, everlasting life, for all those who decide to follow him, your trials can produce a new, better, you, if you just allow Christ to turn your trials into hope by turning to him when you feel overwhelmed, depressed, unhopeful, etc. He can make your blood-stained rose a joyous outcome rather than a life-threatening blow. Simply allow him.
