Corporate style consultants often advise men to include a red “power tie” in their wardrobe, and a red suit or dress for women. Why red? Because it projects power, or said another way, passion. It’s why red roses are the most popular flower ordered on Valentine’s Day.

When Isaiah prophesied the ultimate renewal of Israel, he said, “The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose”—a reflection of God’s faithfulness and love for His people in spite of their sins. The most powerful example of red demonstrating God’s love was when Christ came into the “wasteland” of the world and shed His blood on the cross for our sins. Isaiah wrote that our sins are as scarlet but that God could make them as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). The only thing that could cleanse our scarlet sins is the shed, red blood of Jesus.

Red is the color of love. The next time you see a red rose, thank God for the shed blood of Jesus that cleanses you from all sin.

I hear the words of love, I gaze upon the blood, I see the mighty sacrifice, and I have peace with God.
Horatius Bonar