Freely Give

Isaiah 53

He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

WE MAY NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW Jesus’ beatings heal our wounds. But the prophet Isaiah was clear when he said they do. We are also never told we won’t have wounds—experience assures us that we do. But we are promised a remedy. All of our afflictions and brokenness are a result of our rebellion at the Fall, and Jesus took the torment of that rebellion upon himself. His wounds heal and restore us. He offers mercy and grace, powerfully demonstrated on the cross. Through his sacrifice, we receive from him all good things.

Jesus told his followers to freely give what they have received (Matthew 10:8), and he framed that instruction in the context of healing and deliverance. Just as our wounds have been healed, we are to go out and heal the wounds of others. If we’re at all like our Savior, we may be berated or beaten from time to time in the process. But we are to heal anyway. Whatever healing and deliverance we have experienced from him qualifies us to be ministers of healing and deliverance for others. Regardless of our spiritual gifts, our station in life, our career path, or any other sense of calling, we are called to this.

Every human being is carrying wounds from the past—insecurities, fears, anxieties, shame, condemnation, disappointments, and more. People are having a tough time; we can see it in their pained expressions or even their annoying behavior. If God has forgiven our own pains and annoying behaviors, we can certainly live with the same kind of grace toward others. Everyone needs a minister of mercy in his or her life. Be one as often as you can.

Like Jesus, you will need to see past the walls and offenses people put up around them to guard themselves from further wounds. A minister of grace needs to develop eyes for such things. But when you do, you are powerfully equipped to deliver grace to those who need it most. Let the wounds of Jesus do their work in others as they have done in you.

{Jesus, give me the patience, endurance, and vision to be a minister of grace, even when it costs me something. May I cover the wounds of others as you have covered mine. Give me opportunities to help others heal. Amen.