Forgiveness and Healing

Imagine you have a deep cut. But instead of disinfecting and treating it, the doctor suggests covering it up with paint so no one can see that you’re hurt. It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

We usually take good care of our physical injuries, giving them the right treatment and time to heal to prevent infection. But it’s different with our emotional wounds. There are many reasons for this, and one of the simplest is that emotional wounds aren’t as easily visible as a cut or a broken arm. Often, we sense when someone is carrying a hidden hurt, but we can’t always pinpoint it. And if we gently ask, the person might respond harshly, not wanting to talk about their pain.

However, emotional wounds can be just as serious and impactful as physical ones. For our “inner healing,” forgiveness is essential, as healing truly begins only when we choose to forgive others. James encourages us to pray for each other to experience healing. This applies not only to physical healing but also to spiritual and emotional recovery. When we confess our sins to one another and pray together, we experience the peace and freedom that God offers us.

To consistently experience God’s healing power, it’s important to be rooted in a community. Sometimes we go through so many disappointments that we lose faith. In these times, we need fellow believers who can pray for us, proclaiming healing and renewed faith over us. Whether this prayer is answered immediately or not, whether we are healed of an illness or a wound, is secondary.

For Jesus to heal us over the long term, we must first take that initial step and forgive. Without forgiveness, the wound in our heart can reopen, re-igniting the pain. Forgiveness can be incredibly difficult, but it is a gift: we are allowed to forgive our adversaries and trust that God is sovereign and just. He will take care of us, and no injury is too deep for God to transform into a blessing with His help.

Next Step: In which area of your life are you holding onto unforgiveness? Ask Jesus to show you the roots of this hurt and help you to let go and forgive.