Flesh Wounds

Read: Proverbs 12:18; Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-16; Micah 7:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:21

There are all kinds of warning signs. Reminders that there is a steep drop ahead or that there is a guard dog on the property, but have we ever seen a sign that warns that the person with whom we are speaking might be dealing with a flesh wound? When we generally think of a flesh wound, we imagine a surface wound. One that doesn't go too deep; however, there is another kind of flesh wound. One that a person incurred when someone reacted out of his flesh rather than responding according to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Words that cut deep. No wonder the Bible speaks so frequently about words and how they can cut like a sword, Proverbs 12:18. The kind of wounds that words like that can inflict, though often not seen can go down deep and be quite painful. A clue that someone might be suffering with a flesh wound can be his reaction to what seemed to be an innocent comment that brought about anger or sadness that we couldn't have foreseen. Perhaps it is because what was said bumped squarely into that wound that we didn't know was even there. Sometimes these wounds have their beginnings years or even decades ago. Or they might be on-going hurts that a person deals with every day.

Many years ago, I knew a woman who frequently told her children that she wished they had never been born. I have thought of them from time to time and asked the Lord for His care to be over them. I hope that they have come to experience the sweetness of the healing balm of God's love. The very truth that we can apply not only to our own flesh wounds but hold out with love, to others whom God places in our lives.

Before we even look at any biblical truths, it is important to remember that God truly brings healing to flesh wounds through His truth, but wounds often require time before the sharp sting begins to lessen. Like putting a topical medication over a deep wound, it isn't usually a one and done experience; so, with that in mind, let's remind ourselves of what God has said. Words that are so often the polar opposite of those which cause flesh wounds.

1. Genesis 1:26-27. Each human being is made in the image of God; therefore, we, in contrast with the animals and plants can choose to receive the gift of salvation that God offers us, John 1:11-12. Imagine that. Simply being born into the world makes us each special with the possibility of belonging to the One Who created everything by His Word, Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Hebrews 11:3. Even the one who speaks with such vitriol against the Lord might one day belong to the Savior and experience the healing of flesh wounds that only Jesus knows about.

2. Psalm 139:13-16. We were each crafted in the womb by God. I have no skill with crafts, but many friends do. Oh, the lovely things they make with the skill God has given them. How amazing it is that God does His own kind of handiwork inside the mother's womb. Putting together the baby in a unique way and for a unique purpose that He alone understands. Salve for those flesh wounds. The knowing that each of us was fashioned with purpose. No matter if we were "not planned" by our parents, we were planned by God. No wonder science has discovered so many ways in which we are unique. From our footprints to the irises in our eyes.

3. Micah 7:18-19. When we turn from our sin and give our lives to Jesus, we receive total forgiveness. Oh, the salve that we can apply when we believe the truth Micah tells us. Our sins are buried in the depths of the sea. Not regarded by God again. No fear that He has retained some on His heavenly record to hold out against us, Romans 8:1. There are many flesh wounds caused through words of condemnation. Words that say we have done too much wrong to be forgiven. What a joyful thing to know that God says that we, His chosen and loved children, Colossians 3:12, are continually cleansed by His blood, 1 John 1:7.

4. 2 Corinthians 5:17. We who belong to Jesus are new creations. He has changed us and given us a new heart with new desires to be like Him, Philippians 2:12-13. No matter if the process seems painfully slow and the evil one says we won't change, we have the Lord living in us, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. He will not leave us, Hebrews 13:5. These are merely a few of the truths we have that we can apply not only to our own flesh wounds but also offer to others.

Lord, where there has been wounding, let Your Word bring healing, Proverbs 12:18.