Healing Through a Clean Heart

Focus: James 5:16 (KJV)"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Genesis 20:9-18

The Hidden Canker

Many do not realize that holding onto a grudge or retaining unforgiveness is like a canker to both the body and the soul. When we hurt others, or are hurt by them, guilt and resentment can ravage our hearts. If left to linger, these emotions can eat into our physical well-being. Unforgiveness acts as a slow poison; while the offender may remain unaware, the offended person often releases "venom" into their own system through their internal torture. To forestall this crisis, the Lord enjoins us to let go of the hurt and let brotherly love continue.

The Path of the Believer

Friction is inevitable in society, but the believer’s response should be to engage, discuss, forgive, and forget. We see a powerful example in the relationship between Paul and Peter. When Paul felt offended by Peter’s stance on circumcision, he didn't hold a grudge; he addressed the matter directly and settled it "once and for all." Their reconciliation was so complete that Peter later commended Paul’s teachings. Just like the human body, the Body of Christ can only thrive when every part is in cooperation with the others.

Divine Therapy

The Lord is revealing one of the greatest healing therapies available to us today: the power of confession and forgiveness. Many suffer unnecessarily because of unsettled grudges. By obeying the instruction to confess our sins to one another, we prevent evil from forming in hearts where purity is expected. By following the High Priest of our calling, we save ourselves from premature sickness and physical ailments caused by spiritual discord.

Prayer

In the name of Jesus Christ, I decree that every poison injected into your body through grudges or unforgiveness is neutralized today. May the Lord release upon you the grace to forgive, forget, and own up where you have been wrong. I pray that the healing power of the Great Physician makes you whole from every ailment confronting you now, in Jesus’ name. Amen.