Thursday, November 4, 2021 Some material taken from God’s Got This
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10
Healing A Spiritual Wound (Sin)
When you are wounded – physically, emotionally, or spiritually, the healing process is much the same. With a spiritual wound, it is sin that causes the problem for us.
Recognize the Severity of the Wound – You must realize that the sin you are engaging in is ruining your life and your relationship with God. Take an inventory and be honest with yourself. Is this sin that is ongoing? Is it something that just happened one time or is it a moral character problem? Often the sins that destroy our lives are the ones we have given ourselves “permission” to continue in, but eventually conviction from God comes bearing down like a boulder.
Stop the Bleeding – It is time to stop. Sin that we are participating in at our own will has to end in order to heal and restore a relationship with God. If we don’t, it overwhelms our lives.
Cleanse the Wound – The only way to clean this spiritual wound is by confession and repentance. This is how we purge our hearts and come clean before God.
In Psalm 51 David prays a prayer of confession and repentance.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Psalms 51: 34
Protect the Wound - What is it that tempts you? Whatever your weakness is, Satan knows, and he will use your weakness to cause you to stumble. If it is drinking, keep it out of your home. If it is pornography, set up a safeguard on your computer. If you have friends that encourage sinful behavior, you need new friends. This is the most important step in healing from a spiritual wound, and it will be the hardest. But this is the place in the process where we delay healing if we get hung up and have to start over again and again. It may happen, but do not be discouraged – get up and try again. Satan wants you to stay down, defeated. He will try to keep tripping you every chance he can get. One of the most important things you can do when you are at this stage is to get an accountability partner. Find a mentor, a discipleship partner who knows your struggle and will pray for you and with you. This is an important step. The support and love of others carries us through the hardest times in our lives.
Beware of Satan’s use of your weakness. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:14-16
Treat the Wound Until Healed - Sin can be forgiven in a single act but sanctification requires much more. There really is no end to this process. Sanctification is the process we will be in for the rest of our earthly lives. It is an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. The wounds will heal, but it is imperative to grow in a relationship with Jesus so we can not create more wounds.
Preventing spiritual wounds is an everyday thing. We can’t let down our guards - we have to stay vigilant, and alert. We have to protect our hearts and minds and not for one minute let ourselves think we have arrived. Sanctification is an upward journey and the destination is heaven.
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:8-9
