Christ the Great Healer
He heals the broken hearted and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:2
One of the greatest hurts that we can experience is being unforgiven, especially if we are not forgiven by a close friend or family member. What can we do when we are not forgiven? How can we cope with knowing that the Lord has forgiven us but the person we’ve hurt hasn’t forgiven us?
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:1). The Lord wants us to remain strong in all circumstances, because if we condemn ourselves we can lose our ability to overcome. Christians aren’t perfect, and sometimes we say and do the wrong thing, but we come back stronger in the Lord and we learn to overcome these failures. This is how we grow spiritually. Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4). Christians will sometimes fail in being Christ-like, but we overcome, meaning we are constantly growing more Christ-like. This is why the Lord says: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Even though we are forgiven by the Lord and we know we are growing spiritually, we may still carry some hurt. How does the Lord reduce our hurt when we aren’t forgiven? Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (1 John 5:4). Treat everyone with respect and kindness, because as we serve the Lord, he heals our past. Our hurt will diminish as we reflect Christ to others, including the person who refuses to forgive us. A true Christian who is filled with God’s love will have a forgiving heart, just as Christ always forgives us when we have Godly sorrow.
One of the most powerful ways to receive comfort is from the support of our Christian brothers and sisters. It is amazing how talking to a trusted Christian friend can free us of our inner most hurts. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). This verse applies to healing of sins, hurts, or anything that weighs heavily on our minds. It is important that the friend is a good listener, uplifting, encouraging, forgiving, knowledgeable in the Word, and is speaking with a heart filled with God’s love. This friend may have the opportunity to talk to the unforgiving person and help him/her to have a forgiving heart. Some new Christians need to learn to grant forgiveness, but if we reflect a kind caring heart it will help them to learn this.
Today walk strong in God’s love reflecting Christ to everyone. Be quick to listen and speak words from the Spirit; kind, uplifting words with a caring heart. Walk confidently with a secure humble heart knowing the Lord is with you.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to reflect Christ to everyone, to be uplifting and encouraging. I pray for your wisdom and guidance through the Holy Spirit. Thank you for saving me through your Son, and help me to be your servant. In Jesus name, Amen