What stops people from moving forward? What holds them back from becoming who they are meant to be? Why do some wounds never seem to heal? Here’s one reason: constantly looking back as if one owns their past. This is nothing new to most, in fact, it’s an old lesson. Nonetheless, some haven’t learned how to let it go and move on. People love pets, and some instances, they have pet hurts that should have been sent to the pound long ago, so to speak. Why do people keep pet hurts?
Like those with natural pets (dogs, cats, gerbils, etc.), they have created an emotional bond with them. Some actually embrace pain as if it’s God’s best for them; even though it’s not. Pain is something they “understand,” and freedom from it scares them. Healing presents a different set of rules, and for some it’s become part of their identity. Pain can be used to manipulate others. It’s a way for some to gain attention, and without it, they’re afraid others may not affirm them. Of course, some owners love to show off their pets. In fact, some enter their beloved pets into dog shows, for example. They’re after the trophy, and take pride in their dog’s accomplishments. After all, it’s a reflection on them. Nothing against dog shows: it’s just an illustration. Some carry their pain like a badge of honor: “Look what I went through!” “Martyrs” are no different: “Look what they did to me!” Taking pride in your pain is not healthy, and it does not glorify God!
This brings us to one of the core issues: worth. All these things previously mentioned tie in with affirmation. Think about it: people try to use pride to fill a void only God can fill. Others feel they “deserve what they got,” and should continue to “bleed.” Basically, they’re saying they are not worthy of love, which is another reason people sabotage their relationships with others. It’s hard for them to accept even a simple act of kindness. Somehow, they have to earn it first. That’s not healthy either.
Why did God send Jesus? Love (see John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10)! What are some of the things attached to His coming? Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. He came to reconcile us to the Father, and that reconciliation includes wholeness. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. In reference to this passage, 1 Peter 2:24 says, “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed.” Don’t believe the lie which says, “You’re not loved, nor are you worthy of it. Jesus is worthy, which makes you worthy to receive His love and healing!
