The bricks represents each of us that are joined together to create the church through Christ. Jesus's outstretched arm represents that His sacrifice is what holds the body of Christ together. The cracks represents divisions within the church. The various words in the background are picked up from various pieces of scripture, exposing the underlying cause for division. Trends and topics over which we divide may change but the underlying causes run deeper than that.. The red and blue paint from his side represents the water and blood that poured out when Jesus was pierced.. Jesus is the source of living water that brings life wherever it flows. His blood forgives all our sins. There is life and forgiveness when we truly repent and pursue peace.
This painting has a lot of texture and cracks really feel like cracks.
This painting was commissioned by a local church for ministry. It was display in the sanctuary for a month.
”Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.” — Titus 3:9–11 (NLT)
To fully comprehend these verses, we must recognize the seriousness of Paul’s warning. Do we realize that when we fight, divide, gossip, or promote dysfunction, we are actually fracturing the Body of Christ? Our selfish ambitions, egos, jealousy, and pride damage the very Body for which Jesus laid down His life.
The Church is the Body of Christ, with Jesus as the Head. While His physical body was broken and raised in resurrection glory, our divisions insult that ultimate sacrifice.
As I meditated on this passage, I saw that Paul was not promoting passive negligence, but active intervention. He considered those who spread discord as living contrary to the teachings of Jesus. Paul didn’t ask us to sweep “petty” arguments or gossip under the rug; he instructed action because these things hurt the Body.
We are called to actively pursue peace and work toward edifying those God has placed around us. Instead of endlessly finding fault, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. The Church needs it, and the world needs it. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” May we act like it is finished and stop being divided over the trivial. Christ crucified and resurrected trumps everything.
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The 2026 Engage Art Contest will be accepting new artwork in January 2026!