Today’s exhortation – don’t self harm
There’s a cry for help amongst us that often goes unnoticed and it is “self-harming.” I have good news for anyone who self-harms, Jesus has paid the price for everything you feel guilty about and for the emotional pain or trauma to your soul. He says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). You may think that the best way to deal with your pain or trauma from things like failure, shame, guilt, sex abuse, drug abuse etc is by self harming, but that’s not true. Jesus has taken care of everything so you don’t need to punish yourself or deal with your pain in your own strength.
The bible says, “He is a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows… He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5). He said “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). He came “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To console all who mourn and provide for those who grieve. To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”” (Isaiah 61:3). Amen
Francis Hans-Jorie