Have you ever heard of the process called Kintsugi or Kintsukuroi by the Japanese? Discover how God is intricately involved in the process of repairing us after we've suffered damage from the world, choices we have made or circumstances that may have been out of our control.

Golden joinery

Golden joinery or golden repair is the centuries-old art (circa late 15th) by the Japanese of fixing broken pottery with a special lacquer dusted with powdered gold. The result is a unique appearance of beautiful seams of gold highlighting the cracks in the ceramic ware which glint in the light. Many believe that the container is now more beautiful after suffering damage, as it has a history and something to show for all the wear and tear it has received through its service. Kintsugi emphasizes the fractures to repair and beautify the faults instead of hiding or disguising them. Mottainai, the Japanese feeling to express regret when something is wasted or thrown away, is also relevant along with “mushin”—the acceptance of change.

Spiritual connection

Fast forward to the 21st century, when the world repeatedly tells us to hide our faults rather than repair them, trading concepts that promote pride and a “me first” mindset, instead of the transformation of our hearts and minds. Yet, Scripture instructs us not to do anything through this selfish mindset (Philippians 2:3; see also Romans 12:2 and 10).

Our most loving Father who has done everything for us and cares so deeply about all of His children is our Master Potter. We are the clay as Scripture says in Isaiah 64:8. God fashions and molds us bit by bit, day by day, into vessels which will be completed under His perfect skill in order to become servants ready for His Kingdom (Philippians 1:6). Just as the Japanese artists did not want to waste broken pottery, God “desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It may not be the easiest thing to be fashioned and molded, especially while going through tests and trials, but we know it will all be worth it. Diligence with persistence is crucially important.

This life can be a long, arduous journey full of mistakes, especially if we do not line up our choices according to our instruction manual, the Holy Bible. Many of us have lived most of our lives in the world pre-conversion and come with plenty of baggage, pain and suffering based on worldly living. Now that we have been called out of the world by God we need to daily live righteously by resisting and overcoming the influence of the world. Setting this example is incredibly important.

Instead of attempting to cover up our faults (think Adam and Eve, King Saul, Ananias and Sapphira) we should be going to God in humble, reverent prayer seeking His input on where we need help in having our faults mercifully exposed to us so that we can learn, repent and change. King David is a powerful example to draw from in Psalm 19:10-14 and Psalm 139.

What type of vessel will you be?

No matter how damaged you are, have been or will be, you have the ability to change. However, you cannot do it by yourself. You need the most powerful force in the universe to be involved—God. He can do anything (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Job 42:1-2). If anyone had adversity and lost almost everything in his life, it was Job. Reading the book of Job would be a great study to understand how God can help with restoration.

You may be broken to the point of wanting to run away or hide from others, move to a remote place high up in the mountains or far away, but no matter where you go, God is already there, waiting for you (Psalm 139:7-10). He sees all and knows all (Hebrews 4:13). He knows if you feel shattered or splintered in many pieces, your heart pierced with pain, your brain incapable of accepting the reality you face. Whatever it is you are experiencing, Jesus Christ has already been there for us.

Romans 5:8 gives us insight into the supreme sacrifice Jesus made for us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Deeply meditate on these words while in prayer to God and you will receive greater clarity and realize you are not alone. Going through tough times can help you become ready to help others in the future. Philippians 1:29 explains, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

As we seek to change, remember the loving words of Christ, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11-12; John 5:14). Let the healing begin now so that there is ample time for all the pieces to be put back together again. God oversees this process in our lives, much as a skilled craftsman restores a broken vessel through gold joinery. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).