February 17: Releasing Old Wounds

Releasing Old Wounds

Sis. Angela Hall

Key Text: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” — Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)

Old wounds rarely shout; they whisper—through guarded hearts, quick defensiveness, and the heaviness that lingers after a name is mentioned. Scripture warns that bitterness is a root—quiet, persistent, invasive (Heb. 12:15). Releasing old wounds is not pretending the injury never happened; it is entrusting the pain to God, so it no longer defines our identity or future (Matt. 11:28–30; Ps. 147:3).

In Christ, forgiveness hands the gavel to God (Rom. 12:19) while wisdom establishes grace‑filled boundaries (Prov. 4:23; Neh. 4:9). We refuse retaliation and choose blessing (Luke 6:28). As we release, God re‑roots us in truth: No weapon formed against us will prosper (Isa. 54:17); the Lord is our light and salvation (Ps. 27:1). Healing may be gradual, but in God’s presence it is certain (1 Pet. 5:10).

Personal Testimony: God Stood by My Family and Me

I opened my home to a church member who needed a place to stay while working. Over time his attitude became disrespectful toward my husband, and he violated my trust by forging my signature on a document. I called a meeting and addressed his behavior directly (Matt. 18:15). The next day at his workplace, a grave issue arose. With boundaries now necessary, I told him he would need to find another place to stay that night. He said if he left, he would not return. I gave him his full day’s pay and released him. Afterward, he spread lies to some church members. Instead of seeking understanding, a few embraced the false narrative that I was cruel. I was devastated. These words cut deeply and threatened to become old wounds that defined how I saw myself and my church family. But God stood by my family and me. In prayer, He reminded me to guard my heart (Prov. 4:23), to let Him vindicate in His time (Isa. 54:17), and to bless and pray for those who mistreated us (Luke 6:28). He taught me to forgive without excusing sin, and to keep healthy, gracefully boundaries. In time, peace returned and the wound lost its power over my heart.

Understanding the Passages (Plain‑Language Meaning)

Hebrews 12:15 — Guard your heart against bitterness; unhealed hurt can spread and harm many.

Psalm 147:3 — God personally heals inner wounds and restores the brokenhearted.

Isaiah 54:17 — Lies and attacks will not ultimately succeed; God Himself answers accusations.

Psalm 27:1–3 — God is your light and safety; His presence gives courage in opposition.

Matthew 11:28–30 — Bring your burdens to Jesus; He gives rest and gentle guidance.

Romans 12:17–21 — Do not retaliate; overcome evil with good and trust God with justice.

Proverbs 4:23 — Protect the gate of your heart; your inner life directs your path.

Luke 6:27–28 — Choose love and prayer for those who hurt you; it frees your heart.

1 Peter 5:10 — After suffering, God will restore, strengthen, and establish you.

Hebrews 12:2 — Fix your eyes on Jesus, who endured injustice and finished in joy.

Nehemiah 4:9 — Pray and set wise boundaries; faith and practical safeguards go together.

Colossians 4:6 — Let your words be gracious and seasoned with wisdom.

Before You Share, Please Care: The Cost of Running with Narratives

As a church family, we promise to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15). Pain multiplies when stories are repeated without verification. Scripture cautions us to listen before we answer (Prov. 18:13), to examine matters fairly (Prov. 18:17), and to refuse gossip that divides friends (Prov. 16:28).

Running with unconfirmed narratives hurts real families: it damages reputations, strains marriages, divides friendships, and grieves the Spirit. Jesus gives a better way—go directly to the person first (Matt. 18:15), seek clarity humbly, pray for wisdom, and if needed involve trusted leaders for restoration (Matt. 18:16–17; Gal. 6:1).

 Closing Thought: God Heals What You Release

When we hold on to old wounds, our hands stay too full to receive the new strength God is placing in them. But when we dare to release the pain, betrayal, and misunderstood moments, God steps into the empty space with healing, honor, and restoration.

Releasing old wounds is not saying, 'It didn’t hurt.' It is saying, 'It hurt, but it will not rule me anymore.' It is not pretending the offense was small—it is proclaiming that God is bigger. It is not erasing the past—it is refusing to let the past erase you.

Just as Jesus carried wounds in His hands yet rose in glory, you can rise with healed scars that testify, 'This almost broke me, but God held me together.' No matter who misunderstood you or what lies were spoken, God has the final word over your story.

So, walk forward today anchored in this truth: What hurts me will not hold me. My wounds are not my identity—they are my testimony. And the God who stood by me will finish what He started in me. This is your season to step out of old pain into new strength, out of old narratives into God’s truth, out of old wounds into wholehearted freedom. Your healing is already in motion, and the best chapter of your story has yet to be written.