One
Sunday morning I greeted a man as he entered the church. When I shook his
hand, I placed my other hand on his shoulder. He immediately recoiled in pain,
moaning "Owww!"
I
didn't mean to hurt him when I greeted him. I was trying to make him feel
welcome. I had gently touched him on his shoulder, the same thing I had done
to several other folks that morning. However, no one else had pulled away
from me. This man reacted differently from the rest because He had injured his
shoulder a few days before. I had
touched his sore spot.
Suddenly
I understood how physical injuries can teach us about spiritual wounds,
and why people with wounded spirits are offended by innocent comments and react abnormally. They’re protecting
sore spots on their souls. The slightest touch on their hurting area affects
how they react to others.
Even
King David had a sore spot. He said, “For I am afflicted and needy, and my
heart is wounded within me” (Ps. 109:22). Because a sore spot is invisible, no
one knows where it’s located until someone touches it. An abnormal reaction
to an innocent remark, which wouldn't bother a healthy person, usually
indicates a hidden hurt has been detected.
Even if you were
wounded years ago, an unhealed sore spot can cause pain today. If someone says
something that triggers a hurtful memory, you’ll either react defensively or withdraw
in pain. Someone has said, “A person with a toothache cannot fall in love.” That’s
true. It’s hard to love others if you are hurting inside.
Healing begins by
forgiving the person who hurt you. Ask God to heal you of your hurts from the past. You’ll feel a lot better tomorrow if you
will do it today. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net
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Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
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www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
