Most of us do not deal well with emotional wounds. We are afraid to let others know our hurts. So we suppress them—or we cover them up with anger—or we analyze the offending person, perhaps make excuses for them because we love them.
But none of these actions removes or heals our wounds. Suppressing hurts causes inner turmoil that usually intensifies damage. Anger complicates everything. Rationalizing other people’s behavior might help us accept hurt—and keep us from becoming bitter—but it does not promote healing.
God has a remedy but it will not work if we deny our feelings—or if we are angry—or even if we make excuses for the other person. It is called forgiveness, and it means admitting both our woundedness and the other person’s sin—and choosing to forgive anyway.
Jesus said, And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your treapasses. (Mk. 11:25 NKJV)
Forgiving requires looking to Jesus because He gives us power to forgive. But the first step is acknowledging our wounds. We will not be open to healing unless we know we need it.
Originally published January 2, 1987.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
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