HOME ABOUT MARKETPLACE MINISTRY PODCAST FORGE GROUPS BLOG CONTACT US DONATE

SCARS versus WOUNDS

Come From Your Scars Instead of Your Wounds.

From a biblical perspective, the difference between coming from our scars versus our wounds is a matter of healing, redemption, and testimony.

Wounds: The Unhealed Pain

Wounds represent our unresolved pain, trauma, or sin. When we operate from our wounds, we may still be struggling with bitterness, anger, or brokenness. Wounds can distort our perspective, leading to actions and reactions based on hurt rather than healing.

  • Psalm 147:3 (NLT) – "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."

  • Isaiah 61:1 (NLT) – "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed."

Before we can effectively minister to others, we must allow God to heal us so that we are not speaking from a place of pain, but from restoration.

Scars: The Healed Testimony

Scars, on the other hand, are proof that healing has taken place. They serve as reminders of what we have overcome through Christ. When we speak from our scars, we share our testimony from a place of victory rather than victimhood.

  • Revelation 12:11 (NLT) – "And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die."

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) – "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others."

When we live from our scars, we testify to God’s healing power, inspiring others to trust in His ability to restore and redeem.

Living Healed, Not Hurting

Coming from our scars means we have surrendered our pain to God and now walk in His strength. Coming from our wounds means we are still in the process of healing. The goal is to let God work in us so that our past struggles become testimonies of His grace rather than sources of ongoing pain.

Would you like to explore ways to transition from wounds to scars through faith and healing?

 

Healing From Wounds

Healing from emotional, mental, or physical wounds is a gradual process that requires patience, trust in God, and the willingness to seek His guidance and restoration. Here’s a biblical perspective on healing from wounds:

Acknowledge Your Wounds

Healing starts by acknowledging the pain and recognizing that it exists. You cannot begin the healing process if you deny your wounds. Whether it’s emotional, relational, spiritual, or physical, it's important to be honest with yourself and God about the hurt you're experiencing.

Scripture:

  • Psalm 34:18 (NLT) – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

  • Psalm 147:3 (NLT) – “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

Turn to God for Healing

Healing is not just a self-driven process; it involves seeking God’s help. In times of distress, God invites us to come to Him for comfort, restoration, and healing. We can trust that He has the power to heal us, even when we feel broken or lost.

Scripture:

  • Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

  • Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) – “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

Forgive Others and Yourself

Many wounds, especially emotional ones, come from hurt caused by others. Holding onto unforgiveness can prolong your pain and prevent healing. Forgiving others and yourself is a powerful step toward emotional and spiritual freedom.

Scripture:

  • Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

  • Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) – “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Trust in God’s Timing

Healing doesn’t always happen immediately. It takes time. Trusting in God’s timing and not rushing the process is important. His plans are always for our good, even when we don’t understand them in the moment.

Scripture:

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) – “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

  • Romans 8:28 (NLT) – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Seek Support and Community

We are not meant to heal alone. God created us for community, and part of healing is allowing others to come alongside us. This could mean confiding in trusted friends, family, or a counselor, or finding support in a church community.

Scripture:

  • Galatians 6:2 (NLT) – “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

  • James 5:16 (NLT) – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Rely on the Healing Power of Scripture and Prayer

God’s Word is powerful and transformative. Meditating on scriptures about healing and praying for strength is crucial. Prayer is also a way to release your burdens to God and invite His healing presence into your life.

Scripture:

  • Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) – “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

  • Psalm 107:20 (NLT) – “He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.”

Hold onto Hope in Christ

The ultimate healing comes through Jesus. He is the Great Physician, and even though we may experience pain in this life, we have the hope of eternal healing in Him. Healing may not always look the way we expect it to on Earth, but God promises ultimate restoration in the life to come.

Scripture:

  • Revelation 21:4 (NLT) – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

Take Care of Your Mind and Body

Healing isn’t only spiritual—it’s also physical and mental. Take care of your body through proper rest, nutrition, and exercise. Seek professional help, if necessary, for emotional and mental healing. God cares about our whole well-being.

Scripture:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) – “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

  • Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Healing is a journey, but with God's guidance, it is possible. As we lean on His strength, trust in His timing, forgive others and ourselves, and receive His comfort, we begin the process of healing. Always remember that God’s love and presence are with us, and He desires to bring healing to every part of our lives.

God's Heart on Healing From Wounds

God's heart on healing from wounds reflects His deep desire for restoration, wholeness, and healing for every person. He understands the pain of human suffering, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and offers a path of healing through His love, grace, and compassion. Here’s what God’s heart reveals about healing from wounds:

  1. God Cares for Our Pain: God is deeply concerned with our suffering. He knows the pain we experience and desires to bring us healing.

    • Psalm 34:18 (NIV): "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

    • Isaiah 61:1 (NIV): "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

  2. Healing through Jesus: Jesus is the ultimate source of healing. His sacrifice on the cross provides healing for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Through His wounds, we are healed.

    • 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

    • Matthew 8:17 (NIV): "This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'"

  3. Emotional Healing is Possible: God wants to heal the emotional wounds and traumas that affect us. He can mend broken hearts and give us peace.

    • Psalm 147:3 (NIV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

    • Isaiah 61:3 (NIV): "And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

  4. Healing Requires Our Participation: While God is the ultimate healer, we are invited to participate in our own healing by trusting in His provision, following His guidance, and being open to His work in our lives.

    • James 5:16 (NIV): "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."

    • Matthew 9:22 (NIV): "Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' he said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed at that moment."

  5. Healing Takes Time: God’s healing often happens gradually, and patience is required. Though healing is a process, God promises that He is with us through it.

    • Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV): "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’"

    • Romans 8:24-25 (NIV): "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

  6. God Brings Healing for the Soul: Beyond the physical and emotional, God offers healing for our souls. He invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, where our spirits are healed, renewed, and made whole.

    • Psalm 103:2-4 (NIV): "Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion."

    • Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

  7. God’s Healing Leads to a New Life: God’s healing not only restores us but transforms us. He doesn’t just mend the broken pieces; He makes us whole in a new way.

    • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

    • Revelation 21:4 (NIV): "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

God’s heart is to heal our wounds and restore us to wholeness. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Healing takes time, but God is always faithful to complete His work in us. His heart is full of compassion, and He is committed to seeing us restored and made new in Him.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The information contained in this resource is general in nature and is not intended to provide or be a substitute for advice, consultation or treatment with a duly licensed mental health practitioner or other medical professional. This resource is intended to provide practical faith-based guidelines for balanced living and is not a replacement for medical advice. Professional services should be pursued whenever necessary and/or appropriate. By utilizing this resource, individuals acknowledge that Men of Faith is not providing direct clinically-oriented mental health treatment or therapy, and that it does not create a therapeutic relationship between any individual and Men of Faith.  Individuals who use this resource also agree to indemnify and hold harmless, Men of Faith, its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, as well as the officers, agents, and employees of Men of Faith and its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, from and against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, charges, legal fees, recoveries, judgments, penalties, and expenses, which may be obtained against, imposed upon or suffered by Men of Faith. Additionally, certain views and opinions expressed in this resource may be those from sources other than Men of Faith and do not necessarily represent the views of Men of Faith, nor imply an endorsement by Men of Faith. All rights are reserved worldwide and no part of this resource may be reproduced in any form (print or electronic) without the expressed written permission of Men of Faith.