Wounded

Be certain when you walk through life, every person you encounter has been wounded. Wounds come for people at different times in their lives. Some may be born into circumstances of heartaches; while others face them later in life. A little baby may be born into an abusive home. A young boy may always hunger for a father to be there for him. A neglected and broken wife may never see her dream of happily ever after. An older person may find their sorrow, when their family doesn't seem to care about them any longer. People put up excellent fronts - but believe me life can be unkind and we have all had a taste of it. We only see the outer appearances of others. If we could see others' hearts & their hurts, we would all be a little kinder, a little less judgemental, and perhaps the world would be a better place.

When I think about how we should respond to a world full of wounded people, I have to look at how Christ responded. The advantage Christ had over us, is He could see their hearts. I would like to believe if we could see others' hearts, we too would respond with love.  How are your responses to people?  Does your frustration, impatience or me-attitude fail to look deeper into the eyes of a passer-by and see any scars that might be there?  There are so many people who are needing a smile today, a sweet word, or a simple act of kindness.  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 

In the book, The Empowered Communicator, Calvin Miller says that most people we come in contact with are silently thinking:

• I am loneliness waiting for a friend
• I am weeping in want of laughter
• I am a sigh in search of consolation
• I am a wound in search of healing

This truth can open our eyes to other people's needs.  For me personally, there are days when I really am needing someone to be a true friend.  In need of a good laugh to ease the heartache.  Perhaps wanting someone just to hear my heart that day and the struggles I face.  We all have those moments, days, & weeks where we really need our wounds to be healed.  Most of us aren't outwardly wounded.  Others can't see our wounds and we can't see theirs.  All wounds are not gaping holes or bleeding cuts. The worst looking ones are usually on the inside of us where no one can see them and be disgusted.  This is a widely used quote from an unknown author - "The prettiest smiles hide the deepest secrets. The prettiest eyes have cried the most tears. And the kindest hearts have felt the most pain."  God calls us to love others - be mindful of what might be going on with people as you face each day. 

Enjoy the following scriptures on loving others:
Romans 13:8 "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
Ephesians 4:2 "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."
1 Peter 1:22 "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart."
1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."
Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."
Hebrews 13:1 "Let brotherly love continue."
1 Thessalonians 3:12 "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all."    

Love others - be a wound healer!