People
even in the church can behave in very unloving and ungodly ways. They
can act out in pride and holier than thou attitudes or lash out in
anger, addictions, slander and malice towards others grieving the Holy
Spirit in whom we were sealed. It’s easier to judge the sinful attitudes
and behaviors on the surface without taking a step back and gain God’s
perspective on the matter. But doesn’t Scripture tell us that God judges the heart and not the outward?
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People don’t wake one morning with a hardened heart. What could have
happened to an individual who acts out so negatively, rudely and hurts
self and others? What kind of hurts are they carrying around inside?
Please understand that whatever hurts are buried deep inside a hardened
heart does not excuse the sinful behavior. God hates sin, and we are
allowed to hate it too. Nevertheless, by peering into the heart of God
and seeing things through His eyes, it will help us understand the
reasons why people act out and will help us gain compassion and not
personalize the sinful behaviors of others.
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Painful wounds in
our hearts can always be traced back to the effects of sin, whether our
own or someone else’s. Disguising pain with either good or bad habits,
or addictions create a vicious cycle of guilt and shame. Whatever the
coping mechanism, until the root of the hurt is dealt with the wound
will continue to fester allowing sinful negative behaviors to continue.
God wants to heal your broken heart. No matter what you have been
through, God is bigger than anything you have experienced or are
experiencing now. No matter where you’ve been, what you have done or
what has been done to you … the Master Healer, Jehovah Rapha, can
transform your innermost hurts into conduits of His blessings. The same
power that raised Jesus from the dead can heal and restore you. He only
asks one thing…”Do you want to be made well?” Healing is a choice.
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“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed. Get
rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, outcry and slander, along with
every form of malice. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another,
forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians
4:30-32
