What Lies at the Center of God's Promise to Heal You?

Healing from emotional wounds that were created in a fractured or broken relationship is possible, provided time and patience are permitted to be a part of the process. Pain, whether physical or emotional, is not easily tolerated so it’s natural to expect relief.

It’s impossible for children to get through childhood and adolescence without sustaining minor and serious physical injuries, although these heal and are mentally stored away. Likewise, emotional injuries and wounds ranging from serious to devastating are also experienced.

At the center of recovery is forgiveness, so all efforts to give and receive forgiveness must be honored and treasured along with a strong commitment to make significant life changes. 

God in Psalm 147:3 promises to heal the brokenhearted. In Jeremiah 30:17 God restates: “I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal.” Praise God for such good news!                        

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Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus Christ…Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

~Hebrews 13:15-16 Good News Bible

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Which of Your Character Traits Help You Be Nice?

Being nice is an admired attribute. So what does it mean to be nice? Parents teach their children early on to be courteous, kind, and gracious. Like the word meek from Matthew 5:3, nice has been tainted by many negative connotations.

Several decades ago a new executive was elected to direct the General Electric Corporation. Thousands of employees were laid off immediately in an effort to save the company. This man was not considered meek or nice, but courageous.

Being nice does not imply lacking in character to stand up for what is morally right. Jesus modeled this for us when he stood against spiritual and social corruptness. 

This is your choice when you stand up for what is respectable and decent, even if it means a disruption of your personal peace. Jesus said, “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives but as I give to you.” It’s your choice, which you are invited to accept.

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The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

~Ecclesiastes 7:8 New International Version

 Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if any anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive. 

~Colossians 3:13 International Standard Version

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The Necessity for Realistic Expectations

It's exciting to go shopping for something new. After everything’s been signed, sealed and delivered, what may come as a surprise is buyer's remorse expressed in the form of sadness, anxiety, and worry. Happiness with events and purchases tends to wear off rather quickly as life returns to a normal, everyday pace.

If we expect a buying spree to close the gap in our relationships or within oneself, we’re soon disappointed that the emotional distance still exists. Not only disappointment, but anger or resentment may hang like a dark cloud overshadowing the happiness, joy, and peace we expected. So what is the solution?

Begin by realizing that inner peace and happiness can only be achieved by ridding oneself of all unrealistic expectations. Peace with others is achieved by accepting them as they are, including their limitations. Jesus asked you to forgive others so that you could enjoy the benefits of his forgiveness.  

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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

~Romans 12:18 New International Version

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Christian Standard Bible 

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Want Forgiveness? Then Forgive...

 Joseph’s brothers needed to be forgiven but would not ask for it until they experienced a severe crisis. Seeking forgiveness for their own cruel behavior did not come easy because they blamed Joseph, citing his pompous attitude as justification. God used circumstances to remind them where they had sinned and failed to be forgiving.

We as individuals have ways of suppressing guilt for failing to honor God’s requirement for forgiveness. We take the easy way out by denying we’re at fault and avoiding whomever we've offended. Yet God consistently gives us opportunities to clear the air. The sad part is we undermine God's purpose and plan for us. “If someone has something against you, go make it right.”

God understands our humanness including our lack of character strengths. What God expects from us is to forgive others, which requires close self-examination of our weaknesses including the tendency to be resistant. We must be vulnerable enough to see ourselves as needing God’s mercy and then to extend that mercy to others.  

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Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

~Colossians 3:13 The Living Bible

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”

~Matthew 6:14-15 The Message