Romans 3:25-26 God presented Jesus as a propitiation through his blood, to be passed over through faith. This did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed. This was to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be righteous and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
The cross reveals to me the holiness of God's justice—sin cannot be ignored and must be punished. It also reveals the depth and breadth of His love—His willingness to give up His only Son for sinners. Justice and love converge in Christ, revealing that God is both righteous and able to justify sinners. Today, I too find stillness before this cross, reflecting on my own unworthiness and yet, through the precious blood of Christ, I am forgiven and accepted.
Lord, I thank you for the perfect justice and love you displayed on the cross. You do not despise my sin, but forgive me with grace; you punish sin, but justify me by faith. May I always look to the cross, never to underestimate the severity of sin or doubt the abundance of grace. May my heart be touched daily, may my life be renewed by your love. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.