Healing From Condemnation

For thus saith the Lord, “Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.” Jeremiah 31:12

Are you languishing under the condemnation of someone else’s words?  The only cure is to allow God to speak the truth.  I must be willing to disown the hurtful words and no longer have them define me in any way.  The injurious words should be dealt with severely at the cross, in prayer.

Damage is done in two ways.  1.) by the words themselves but also, 2.) by the spirit that came with them.  What do I do with the animosity of the one who spoke them?  I forgive them as Christ forgave me.  I remember my own sin.  How many times have I injured the heart of God with my words, my accusations?  How many times, in my spiritual immaturity, did I whine like an entitled child when hard times came?  How many times did I insinuate, even say outloud, that He was a difficult Father to trust?  Yet, despite everything I hurled in His direction, He forgave me.  To understand the love of God, I look at Jesus.  I remember His response to taunting, even while suffering.

“While they hurled their insults at him, He did not retaliate ; when He suffered, He made no threats.  Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”  I Peter 2:23

When words are spoken against me, I follow Jesus.  1.) I do not retaliate.  2.) I make no threats.  3.) I forgive them and pray for them.  I remember disciples like Stephen who, when he was being stoned to death for his faith, cried out with words that were reminiscent of Jesus on the cross.  Falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.  Acts 7:60

Jesus will deal with my spiritual accusers. I lay down my sword and defer to the King who holds the scepter of authority.  The spirit that came with the words, He will rebuke.  When I forgive them and put them in His hands, the one who judges righteously, I am cleansed from all the word’s effects.

PRAYER: “Lord, I forgive the person who spoke to me so treacherously and I give up my right to take revenge.  Nullify the effects of their comments under the power of Your shed blood.  Take these words from my mind and my heart.  Remove the arrows that wounded my soul so deeply.   Make it as though the words had never been spoken.   I put this person in Your hands for You to rule righteously. 

Now, for my own healing, I will eat the scroll of Your Word.  I will allow Your Spirit to speak truth to me, to lighten my path, and to define me.  I look to Your face for all the love and approval I need to stand today with no trace of shame.  “The Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.” Malachi 4:2  Amen