“Revealing hurt to another person we trust keeps us from concealing pain that is spiraling toward resentment.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 22, 2021
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
I am learning: If I conceal my problems they will become a big deal. But, if I reveal my problems there is a high probability I will be healed. For example, in my marriage, my wife Rita and I are learning to share our differences with another mature couple or Christian counselor to help us move from being relationally and emotionally stuck. Maybe anger has caused emotional distance in our hearts; we still love each other, but we find it hard to like each other. Revealing to another person we trust keeps us from concealing pain that is spiraling toward resentment.
The New Testament writer James was an attentive student of his brother Jesus. What he learned from the Lord he shared with the first century followers of Christ to help them live a life of love in a broken, imperfect world. Even those who had been with Jesus needed to be reminded how to live for Jesus. One foundational faith principal is to confess sin quickly so it doesn’t take root and bear bad fruit. What does it mean to confess sin? To tell God—but also, to tell other Christians, so problems can be drained of pain. Everyone sins, and everyone needs healing.
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Some of us who are introverts may find it harder to share our feelings. To wrap words around our wounds can seem impossible We are private and we feel like we are the only ones dealing with personal problems. The heart of the matter may be that we don’t even like ourselves. We are deceived to believe our faults are unique to us, and pride is keeping us from being honest about our deep hurts. The pain of revealing our problems has not yet exceeded the pain of concealing our problems. In the meantime it eats away our energy and anger is the emotional undercurrent. Humility asks for help.
What problem is keeping you from flourishing? Relational? Financial? Physical? Vocational? Spiritual? Whatever issue or person has you down, you must reach out to talk with a wise and loving person or couple about your pain. If you continue to conceal your problems you may kill precious relationships and crater your confidence. But if you humble yourself by revealing your hurts you will take the first step in repairing relationships and healing your heart. Doing nothing is not an option. Silent suffering needs another to bear your burdens. Love reveals problems.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to reveal my problems so I can be healed, through Christ’s love, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who can I tell about my troubles with my heart humble and teachable?
Related Reading
Psalm 32:5; Job 31:33-34; Matthew 7:7; Acts 19:18
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