One of the things that God brought to my attention was the way we treat others. I think it is safe to say that most of us, if not all, treat people well when everything is copacetic. When we’re all on the same page, when we’re all in agreement, when we’re all getting along but what God was challenging me on multiple fronts was to not punish people for their pain.
When God was speaking to me about this He brought up times where I was speaking about someone poorly and not thinking highly of them. I felt like God was telling me whenever you speak those words you are actually punishing that person. But what you don’t know is that the person you are speaking about is in pain. They are functioning out of their pain and as a result you have been hurt. If you continue to speak the way you do, you will keep the cycle of pain going whether it is conscious or unconscious. As the Holy Spirit convicted me of my words, thoughts and actions I was reminded of the verses in:
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
I believe God is calling us to live as mature sons and daughters and I believe this involves not punishing people for their pain. It might sound obvious but it often doesn’t look as plainly as an open wound. It requires you to take a step back and ask God what is going on? Why did they say that? Where is this coming from? Etc. It requires you to take the time to listen to God in prayer and hear what He has to say. With the help of the Holy Spirit and by the blood of Jesus we can be healed and made whole.
I can guarantee that when you go to a Hospital with a bleeding open wound, they are less concerned about your course language from the pain and more concerned about dealing with that wound to prevent infection and preserve your life. I know we are not doctors but we have access to a healer, our God. He equips us with the fruit of the Spirit by the Holy spirit so that we may be the healing hands and feet of God.
Father, I pray that you would give us eyes to see and ears to hear your voice. Let us be sensitive to your Holy Spirit so that we can be healed and help bring healing to others. May we look at each other through your eyes Jesus and bear with each other as you so humbly bear with us. Help us to forgive those who hurt us as you forgave us who sent your son to the cross.
Let us not love with words or speech by actions and in truth.