'The things which hurt

The things which hurt and scar our lives

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

The things which hurt and scar our lives are resentment, unforgiveness, bitter feelings, and desire for revenge. Men may beat us until our bones are broken — but if love fails not in our hearts meanwhile, we have come through the experience unharmed , with no marks of injury upon us.

One writing of a friend who was dreadfully hurt by another, says that the woman will be probably scarred for life, and then goes on to speak of the wondrous patience in her sufferings, and of the peace of God which failed not in her heart for a moment. The world may hurt our bodies — but if we suffer as Christ suffered, there will be no trace of scarring or wounding in our inner life.

We may learn from our Master how to endure wrong so as not to be hurt by it. "When He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judges righteously." He did not take the righting of His wrongs into His own hands. He had power and could have summoned legions of angels to fight for Him — but He did not lift a finger in His own defense.

God could build a wall of granite about us, if He desired, so that no enemy can touch us. He could shield us so that no power on earth can do us any hurt. He could deliver us from every enemy. We should remember when we are suffering injury or injustice at the hands of others — that God could have prevented it. He could have held back the hand, that it should not touch us. He could have so ordered it, that no harm would be done to us, that we would suffer no injury.

This wrong that you are suffering , whatever it is, is therefore from God, something He permits to come to you. It is not an accident, a lawless occurrence, something that has broken away from the divine control, something that God could not prevent breaking into your life. He reigns everywhere, in things small and great.

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