Why God Wants the Real You, Not the Performed You

It is possible to sit in a church pew and still feel completely unseen.

It’s possible to raise your hands in worship and still feel empty inside.

It’s possible to look the part—and still feel a thousand miles from God.

That’s because many of us were taught to perform faith, not live it.

To put on a smile instead of bring our sorrow. To wear “Sunday best” while hiding wounds that need to be dressed. But the cross didn’t come for performance. It came to tear the veil.

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The Veil Was Real—And Symbolic

“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”

—Matthew 27:51

This wasn’t just architecture being ripped—it was separation being destroyed.

The veil was the thick curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple.

Only the high priest could pass through it, and only once a year.

It symbolized distance from God. Barriers. Formality. Fear.

But the moment Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross, God tore the veil open from the top down—heaven to earth.

That means no more intermediaries. No more pretending. No more hiding.

You can walk straight in. Not as someone else…

But as you.

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Religion Teaches You to Hide. Relationship Calls You to Heal.

Some of us were raised in spiritual systems that said:

• “Be strong.”
• “Don’t question.”
• Fix yourself before coming to God.”

So, we adapted.

We learned how to look “faithful” without ever confronting our own pain. We wore masks—polished, tidy versions of ourselves that wouldn’t scare people off.

But you can’t be healed if you’re busy being impressive.

That mask may impress people, but it will suffocate your spirit.

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Jesus Didn’t Die for the Version of You You Pretend to Be

He died for the wounded you, the shattered you, the ash-covered you.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28

He’s not asking for perfection.

He’s asking for permission—to come into your real mess.

He tore the veil because He wants you close.

No filter. No front.

Just your bare soul.

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Final Reflection:

The veil is gone.

So why are you still hiding?

It’s time to tear the mask.

Let them fall—the polished answers, the fake smiles, the religious act.

Let what’s real rise. Let what’s raw speak.

Let the light into what you’ve spent years trying to bury.

You are already seen. Already loved. Already invited in.

The veil was torn for this very moment.