Are you wounded? Do you feel a pain that goes so deep that it seems to be beyond even touching it, almost like it is impossible to reach the bottom? Do you hold that pain close to you, hoping you aren’t jarred? I remember when I first became a Christian (different from a christian) that I heard from others that Christians were the only ones that shot their wounded. Sadly, I discovered that in all too many cases this was true.
But why? Why do we do that to our brothers and sisters? Even in the world, when someone is injured or wounded in some way, many people attempt to help the individual get to a doctor in order to receive the needed help. So, why don’t we act this way toward others, especially fellow believers? Whenever the need for correction and regardless of the individual receiving the correction – anger, belittling, humiliating, and not restoring the erring brother to fellowship is never the proper action.
I know we are to love the brethren – Jesus’ words are that His disciples would be known by their love (John 13:35). And when/if they are in error we are to correct one another (2 Timothy 2:23-26, Galatians 6:1, Colossians 3:13, and Ephesians 4:2 – among others). For me, this is a conundrum that I have yet to understand. I realize speaking the truth in love may feel like adding salt to the wound, but abetting a lie only creates further pain. And yes, timing of correction is important but letting time be the excuse is not the proper action either.
If we are the wounded then our feelings become heightened during these times. The reaction of brothers and sisters can make us feel rejected or worse, betrayed. While it never is helpful, we also tend to wallow a bit in our plight. I’m not certain that the intent is to gain further commiseration, I think it’s partly a method to understand what is happening and why. Why did we get wounded!?! And what is the source? The hope is in the form of another reality – we are all wounded healers.
