A wounded heart beats
beneath concealed bones
metered hurt pulses
Invisible pain - fresh tattoo
Sear mark of the soul.
No regard, they who wound
Iced smugness
Whet knives.
A wounded heart
Softly pumping
Bleeds out metered hurt.
Photo cred@sherryarthur
It may be easy for a human heart to understand and even deflect an insensitive remark or rude comment from someone we hardly know. We may convince ourselves “it doesn’t bother me” because we have no relational investment in the person.
By the same token someone close to us, perhaps a fun coworker, someone who makes life easier with silly re-tweets, Tiktok sharing, or commandeering a Starbucks run, just might say or do something off the cuff -- even hurtful, and, BAM! A spiral of emotions ices the friendship for a few days.
Sound faintly familiar? Let's unpack why humans react when pain comes into our lives.
Psalms 55:12 . . . For it was not my enemy that reproached me, then I could have borne it.
David was familiar with taunting, acquainted with pain imposed upon him when he was in battle, perhaps even accepting it as part of life. He endured offenses and even expected to be hurt from his enemy. But it is David's remark, “if it was my enemy – then I could have borne it," which offers a glimpse into our own hearts, when we too are hurt by close friends or family.
In modern terms, David worshipped together with a buddy, considering him a friend, yet experienced betrayal and rejection. And when it came to understanding the offence, David was surprised at how much it hurt. He wasn't prepared, perhaps hadn't considered the battle of: "What should I do when hurtful remarks come from a church buddy, or a close friend?"
One of the biggest devices the enemy wields to destroy relationships is birthed by hurt and pain. Pain left unchecked, breeds unforgiveness and bitterness.
My friend, this is not how God designed relationships. His best design was demonstrated when he gave up his life – his gift to you. His entire life is all about restoration and unity. David's example of friendship shows us the 'how' to move forward when we experience hurt. He identified the source of his pain and offered it unto the Lord.
To know the source of contention and division in this world, is to know the source of a wounded heart: What’s behind it, what drives the unforgiveness and bitterness? How do I eradicate it?
The book The Bait of Satan is one of many great resources available showcasing our enemy’s devices. It uncovers many lies and tools Satan uses to sow discord. Coupled with prayer, this easy-to-read resource will help you live in harmony with your friends, church family and coworkers.
Lastly, if you’ve been hurt, if you’re currently carrying pain in your heart over an offense, I urge you to pray. Ask God to heal the hurt, ask Him to help you to ‘see the other person' as He sees them. Pray for the person who hurt you and ask for restoration and unity in your friendship again. If you still feel you’re at an impasse, then seek counsel and discuss your feelings with a Pastor, or a mentor.
God truly cares about your hurt and wants to help you let it go.
No comments:
Post a Comment