Hurt by the Church; Healed by Jesus

Recently, the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart the concept of woundedness committed by people within the church or being offended by someone representing Christ. 

When I express that the Holy Spirit has placed an idea on my heart, I mean that the idea seems to be highlighted to me in one or multiple forms. Perhaps words appear to jump off the page, song lyrics sound more intense, or conversations center around the idea. Over the past few years, I have learned to take these ideas to prayer and ask the Holy Spirit for confirmation and revelation. 

Below, you will find Scripture and short observations regarding how the Church can hurt and how Jesus can heal. Please know that I do not want anyone to simply dismiss sins and trauma, but rather to acknowledge their existence and to seek healing from Jesus. You may want to contemplate these verses alongside any painful memories in prayer with the Holy Spirit (and with a professional counselor).

Peter maimed Malchus' ear; Jesus healed the wound.

“Just as Jesus healed the ear of Malchus that Peter had maimed, He still heals the wounds we suffer from zealous leaders in the body of Christ.” --Bob Sorge

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus.

John 18:10 RSV-CE

Judas betrays Jesus; Matthias replaced Judas.

The Apostles did not abandon Jesus due to the trespass of a trusted friend; they prayed for God to select the man who would replace him. (Offered by Father Matthias Thelen.)

24 And they prayed and said, "Lord, you know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen

25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place."

26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthi'as; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles.

Acts 1:24-26 RSV-CE

Saul persecutes Christians; Paul evangelizes for Christ.

The man who eagerly persecuted early Christians experienced a radical encounter with Jesus; thus Saul became Paul who enthusiastically evangelized for Him. 

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

4 And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, " Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5 And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting;*

15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;

Acts 9: 1, 4-5, 15 RSV-CE

9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him

Acts 13:9 RSV-CE

Religious leaders abused power; Jesus atones His people.

The religious leaders conspired to kill Jesus (and the guards abused Him); Jesus overcame sin through His Crucifixion.

2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death; for they feared the people.

Luke 22:2 RSV-CE

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,

47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Luke 24:45-47 RSV-CE

Peter denied Jesus; Jesus welcomed him back.

No matter the reason a person uses to turn away from Jesus, He consistently extends forgiveness; however, each person has freewill to accept it and return to Him. Or, they may choose deny it and Him. Saul repented; Judas did not.

27 Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed.

John 18:27 RSV-CE

17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 RSV-CE

50 Jesus said to [Judas], "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

Matthew 26:50 RSV-CE

Perhaps you or a loved one has experienced pain inflicted by a church person or has caused the infliction. The wound may have been intentional or unintentional. Jesus wants to restore you completely. The relationship with the person may not be reconciled, but Jesus can restore your soul and your relationship with Him.

Send me a message, if you would like for me to pray with you.

Peace be with you.

Photo Credit: Gadiel Lazcano on Unsplash