For many, Good Friday carries a solemn tone—marked by reflection, fasting, and remembrance. As a kid, I didn’t understand the correlation between good and crucifying an innocent man. How is any of that good or make any sense? I remember learning that between the hours of noon to three in the afternoon are the hours we express sorrow that Jesus was crucified. I try to be silent in remembrance of Jesus Christ dying.
Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment of immense suffering and sacrifice. But despite its sorrowful nature, Good Friday is called “good.” Why? Because, at its core, it represents love, redemption, and the promise of hope. God is about fulfilling His promises and that is exactly what He did when Resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred.
A Story of Sacrificial Love
Good Friday is considered good because it embodies the ultimate act of selfless love. Jesus willingly endured pain and humiliation, carrying the weight of humanity’s sins, so that grace and forgiveness could be freely given. His sacrifice was not in vain—it was a moment of transformation, paving the way for reconciliation between God and mankind. Suffering is never for nothing and Jesus always puts our suffering to good use.
By knowing ‘Jesus, we learned how to love others, forgive others, believe in justice and exemplify kindness. His final act was to show no greater love than lying down His life to help ours. He experienced pain just as we would. Guards treated Jesus in the worse possible way by flogging, beating, dehydration, humiliation and then to carry a wooden cross that He knew that He would be nailed to and die. Any suffering we endured, nothing can outdo what Jesus already has done for us. He did it all and can help us through anything.
The Power of Redemption
If Good Friday was simply the story of suffering, it wouldn’t be good—it would be tragic. But what makes it powerful is what comes next. The crucifixion wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of a greater victory. The sorrow of Friday leads to the joy of Easter Sunday, when Jesus rises from the dead, defeating sin and death itself. Good Friday reminds us that even in our darkest moments, redemption is possible. No matter what happens in your life, mistakes are meant to be learned from and behavior changed. Apologies are always important but nothing says how sorry you really are except changed behavior.
Jesus discusses how to change behavior to the better His whole life. Changing your behavior is simple as loving someone else. Helping someone, being kind, forgiving and gentleness are acts of changed behavior. Like Jesus said, “go and sin no more.” However, if you do sin, apologize and try again.
Hope in the Midst of Pain
Life is full of challenges, grief, and uncertainty. Right now, many of my friends and family members are going through so much pain. I have my own challenges, and I’m not just talking about cerebral palsy. Family can be challenging and being a mother is the hardest job that you will love with the fabric of your being. However, in the mist of all grief and pain is the embrace of Jesus waiting for us. Somehow a conversation with Jesus can dry tears just for a bit to allow you to appreciate life.
Good Friday reflects that reality—it acknowledges that suffering exists, but it also offers hope. It shows that even in moments of despair, there is a purpose, and something beautiful can come from pain. This message transcends religion; it resonates with anyone who has faced trials and longs for renewal.
A Time to Reflect and Appreciate
Beyond its religious significance, Good Friday is a day for reflection. It invites people to pause, consider the depth of love and sacrifice, and embrace gratitude. It is an opportunity to find meaning in hardship and to remember that even in darkness, light will come. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be religious or spiritual, you can appreciate the pain of an innocent man and how He loved us through every inch of His journey,
So yes, Good Friday is good—not because of the suffering it holds, but because of the redemption and love it symbolizes. It is a reminder that hope can rise from despair, and that the greatest acts of sacrifice are often the most powerful demonstrations of love. Find time to be in silence, skip a meal and pray. Begin with a simple thank you. Make sure that you try to go to Confession and church. Even if you never have been to church before, now is a great time for you to start.
