LIVING FOR GOD IN OUR WORLD, Part 8

How to Overcome Wounds from Life
March 5, 20233

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FOUR KEYS TO HEALING HIDDEN WOUNDS

I. FORGIVE THE OFFENDER.

1 Peter 4:1 - Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

THEN WHY SHOULD WE FORGIVE THOSE PEOPLE WHO HURT US?

1. BECAUSE GOD’S ALREADY FORGIVING YOU.

2. YOU’RE GOING TO NEED FORGIVENESS IN THE FUTURE

3. YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO STOP HURTING UNTIL YOU LEARN TO FORGIVE.

Hebrews 12:15 - “Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.”

II. FOCUS ON GOD.

1 Peter 4:2 - So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills. AMP

I Peter 2:23 - “When Jesus suffered, he did not threaten to get even; he left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly.”

Psalms 56:8 - You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears.

Romans 15:13 - “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

III. FACE THE FUTURE.

Job 11:13, 15, 16 - “Put your heart right, reach out to God …15 then face the world again, firm and courageous. 16 Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.”(GN)

Psalms 34:17 - The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

THE KEY TO FORGETTING IS REFOCUSING.

Don’t mask your pain with a “quick fix”.

I Peter 4:3 - “In the past you wasted too much time doing what nonbelievers enjoy; sexual sins, evil desires, drunkenness, wild and drunken parties…”

There are three problems with the pain killers that the world offers.

1. They don’t LAST

2. They can become ADDICTING

3. They never solve the PROBLEM

IV. FIND A SUPPORT GROUP.

Genesis 2:18 - The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

I Peter 4:8-9 - “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another…”

Ecclesiastes 4:9 - “Two people are better than one… If one falls down, the other can help him up.”

Hebrews 10:25 - “You should not stay away from your church meetings, (instead) meet together and encourage each other.”

I Peter 4:10 - “God has given each of you special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s … blessings.”

Matthew. 11:28 - Jesus: “Come to me if you are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest.”
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