Widening the Wound

Getting stitches is one of the worst things I know. One of the first steps in getting stitches, right after cleaning and irrigating the wound, is widening it slightly. This is also known as “debriding,” and is a step that allows for the removal of the debris and the damaged, jagged edges of tissue so the cleaner new tissue edges can be pulled together. This is similar in nature with sin and those it affects. We sometimes like to think we can just ignore and forget the wound of sin and those it hurts, hoping that it might heal on its own. But in doing so, the damage it causes can fester in hearts and never repair properly. The original injury usually needs to be revisited through the cleansings of confession, repentance and forgiveness. The Book of Mormon concurs with this through a similar analogy.

 Jacob 2:9 Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.

LESSON LEARNED: Sin, like a wound, can fester and become a bigger problem if not addressed properly. Revisiting an old wound of sin, as painful as it may be, is necessary for proper spiritual healing.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH HEALING THAT REFLECTS THIS IMPRESSION?