Wounds and Scars
This topic stayed in my mind last week. I think my heart was preparing for my year-end inventory—not an actual physical inventory but a spiritual, mental inventory. Are my wounds healed? And if so, how would I know?
These words, wound and scar, are very different yet they have similarities. Most importantly they are directly connected. Let’s look at the definition of each word.
A medical definition of the word wound is a break in the skin entering body parts or deep tissue causing harm by breaking the skin either through injury, accident, or even surgery.
In addition, a wound is an injury to the body as from an illness, or violence, that typically involves laceration or breaking of a membrane (such as the skin) and usually damage to underlying tissues Also, a wound can be caused by a mental or emotional blow.
The definition of a scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound, burn, ulcer, or other illness. A scar can also be an inward mark left after an internal wound due to abuse, accident, or trauma.
Wounds and scars are directly related because the nature of a healed wound leaves what we call a scar. So, if you have a scar, you have a healed wound. But not all wounds leave scars because not all wounds are healed.
1. They are directly linked by an incident, happening, event, or trauma.
2. Wounds are meant to heal and a scar is a sign that the wound is healed.
3. All who have scars have been wounded. Not all who are wounded have a scar if the wound is still a wound, whether internal or external.
4. Let’s look at three examples:
a. The apostle Paul in II Corinthians 4:8-11 tells of his physical altercations with those who oppose the Gospel. We know from his writings that Paul received beatings, experienced shipwrecks, was stoned and left for dead. The number of scars on his body gave witness to the number of wounds healed.
In Acts 28 we read of an account where a snake came out of the fire and bit Paul, causing an injury or wound. Paul slung the snake off and used the same injured hand to go and heal sick people on the island. Our wounds do not have to keep us from walking out of the will of God for our lives.
b. Maybe you have experienced an injury that caused a wound. I certainly have. I have the scars to prove it. My testimony attests to both physical wounds that healed and mental and emotional wounds that healed, although at a slower pace. We know a physical wound is healed by looking at it. At one time it was an open wound to the skin. Once treated it begins to heal over with a scab. If it was a deep tissue wound, it leaves a scar- evidence that the wound is healed. An internal emotional or mental wound heals differently and leaves a different kind of scar.
c. Of course, Jesus is our ultimate example of both types of wounds and healing with proof. When He came off the cross and was buried in the tomb, he had wounds, external and internal. From Judas’ betrayal to His prayer in the Garden, Jesus anguished. Then came the extreme method of crucifixion. His physical wounds ranged from 39 beatings, a twisted crown of thorns on his head, and His hands and feet nailed to a cross.
When He rose from the grave and visited the disciples afterward, he showed them his hands and feet – no longer wounds but scars. He shared with them more of His Father’s purposes and plans. There was no conversation about how they deserted him, or how Judas betrayed him, or the pain He incurred with the beatings, the crown of thorns, or the nailing to the cross. All is forgiven because it was finished. Jesus’ healing for His body, was both internal and external. He practiced what He preached.
If we can accept this and step into the same healing that Jesus stepped into, the Holy Spirit will lead us into the healing, the same love and forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated for us.
The one who wounds is defeated The one who heals is fully alive! He has the scars to prove it.
Until next time, be sure you spend time with the Father. He knows your heart and wants to hear from you!
Dr. Michele
October 21, 2024
