We all experience pain, hurt and even suffering. Often people will say things to us or will act in such ways that hurt us. Even so, we all possess the God-given ability to love these people. And while it’s never easy, one faithful way to begin is by simply following the well-known "golden rule" of Matthew 7:12.
Sure, it will require discipline; but God will help us if we truly desire to abide in His love & guidance.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you,
do also to them, for this is the Law ..." (Matthew 7:12)
Discipline is our friend. It's the ability that God gives us so that we may walk in His ways. Although it is difficult, discipline is often temporary discomfort that can lead us to long-term enjoyment.
If you've ever been hurt and learned to overcome it, then you have a valuable tool … use it to help others. God comforts us so that we, likewise, can comfort others.
On the inside of the jail, I’ve had the unique privilege and blessing of discovering many creative, yet productive, vices used by inmates as coping mechanisms for guarding against their hurt from the past. If you can wrap your mind around this, would you believe I've observed (just to name a few) ... others painting with skittles, preparing ramen noodle pizzas, and funding peer indigent accounts, etc.? And certainly these are all entrepreneurial achievements from the inside.
Many deal with pain by forming daily habits that help take their minds off, although temporarily, their problems and the weight of their anxieties. You see, the incarcerated have nothing but time. They sit, wait, pray, think, and even strategize how they will do things differently once they are freed from the bonds of imprisonment.
And while all of these activities can be conducive to ensuring improved, acceptable outcomes, our best efforts are merely “filthy rags” to our Lord Jesus. Moreover, our duty is futile and meaningless if we, first, fail to come to Him for fellowship, rather than just for His rewards. Coming to Christ and treasuring Him as our most precious gift, rather than the giver of the gift, allows us to faithfully prioritize our fellowship with him as supreme in our lives.
“You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
(Psalm 16:11)
Allowing God to heal us comes, first, by trusting in Him and by abiding in His instructions. Simply put, the progression looks something like this: we experience hurt, we allow God to heal us, and then we are ready to help others.
God’s grace and mercies can literally change our lives and, in turn, begin to transform the lives of others around us.
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love
has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
Article by Mark Seay
TimeServedMinistry.org
Mark Seay is a religious volunteer for a local jail, and a graduate of Clemson University. He and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters and a grandson.
