Released to Live and to Love

Forgiveness builds a bridge to a healthier life by providing a release from bitterness and sin that have created hardships for the body, mind and spirit. Failure to forgive, or be forgiving, is connected to an attitude of anger and bitterness that is so powerful it affects the body’s ability to fight illness.

Jesus healed a paralyzed man in the Gospel of Mark by telling him his sins were forgiven. Jesus knew that guilt and shame are like a prison, so forgiveness gave the paralyzed man freedom to begin a new phase of life with a new purpose.

As the man walked away forgiven and healed, perhaps he could say with Saint Francis of Assisi, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me love. Where there is injury, help me pardon; where there is doubt, increase my faith; where there is despair, grant me hope; where there is darkness, let me be a light; where there is sadness, let me express joy." If you are seeking forgiveness, let this be your prayer. God bless you today.  

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In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,

But you would have none of it…

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

~Isaiah 30:15, 18 New International Version

Lord, you alone can heal me, you alone can save, and my praises are for you alone.

~Jeremiah 17:14 The Living Bible

Healed by Forgiveness and Faith

The second chapter of Mark’s Gospel relates a story of a paralyzed man receiving healing. He and his friends made a valiant effort to gain an audience with Jesus so the paralytic could be healed. Imagine this man's response as Jesus pronounced him healed, saying: "Your sins are forgiven. Rise up and walk."

Mark’s Gospel gives us this account for two distinct reasons. First, there’s a connection between various types of illness and the role forgiveness of sin plays in receiving healing. The second reason is to let us know persistence is often required to get to a place where healing can be secured. Imagine the courage it took for this man to submit to Jesus for healing.

These friends persevered until Jesus recognized their friend’s need. Faith and hope inspired them to press on in their pursuit of Jesus. Their determination and faith amazed Jesus. He responded to their friend, "Your sins are forgiven. Get up and go home." Do you need to hear these words for the burden you’re carrying? There’s no limit to God's mercy and forgiveness. 

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When Jesus saw how strongly they believed that he would help, Jesus said to the sick man, “Son, your sins are forgiven!”

…Then turning to the paralyzed man, he commanded, “Pick up your stretcher and go on home, for you are healed!”

The man jumped up, took the stretcher, and pushed his way through the stunned onlookers! Then how they praised God. “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” they all exclaimed.

~Mark 2:5, 11-12 The Living Bible

Believing-prayer (the prayer of faith) will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you have sinned, you’ll be forgiven – healed inside and out.

~James 5:15 The Message

Thanking God for Faith, Forgiveness and Healing

The inner dependence between healing and forgiveness is revealed by Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. A paralyzed man is carried by his four friends to Jesus for healing. The house is so crowded they took him up to the roof and removed a section of the roof so the man could be lowered into the presence of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

Healing the mind and body can be dependent on forgiveness. If this man’s sins had prolonged his illness, guilt also must have been a factor. Guilt confirms that punishment is certain unless contrition is obvious, combined with sincere efforts to make right what is wrong. The desire for forgiveness is absolutely necessary.

All illnesses are not caused by sin, but Jesus recognized this man's sins and consequent guilt. What Jesus said to this man, he will also say you. “Your sins are forgiven. Rise up and go home.” Be assured Jesus forgives all manner of sin, and his purpose is for you to experience his forgiveness.  

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Jesus said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk home.” At once the man stood up in front of everyone. He picked up his mat and went home, giving thanks to God.

~Luke 5:24-25 Contemporary English Version

I prayed, “Have pity, Lord! Heal me, though I have sinned against you.”

~Psalm 41:4 Contemporary English Version

For you, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon you.

~Psalm 85:5 New American Standard Bible