“Live in harmony with one another… If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Rom. 12:16a,18, ESV)

Scars (part 2)

Heading home, the round of golf in the rearview mirror, the image of the scar returned. He recalled how much smaller the scar looked and how the human body’s ability to heal had diminished the original wound. He couldn’t understand the science behind it all, but he quietly whispered to himself, “God is amazing!” The human body’s ability to heal is all by His design.

The self-debate about the healing of wounds to the heart was rekindled. Forgiveness, mercy, and grace were the critical elements in closing the gaping wounds and allowing scar tissue to form. He knew that. Trusted that. But a new question surfaced. Can more be done to reduce the scar's size? Can anything be done to restore or completely remove the wound’s evidence?

The Apostle Paul made his way, front and center, to the microphone of the new internal debate. “Live in harmony with one another”. “If possible.” “So far as it depends on me.” “Live peaceably with all.” “With all.”

It was as if he were shouting, “With ALL!” “So far as it is up to me.” He thought hard about this. If the goal is to reduce the scar size or possibly remove it, what would be the right step? The two words “with all” are all-inclusive. Even the bad guys are in this group. He shuddered a bit at that conclusion.

Another question crept into his mind as he followed the route home. Had he sought to reconcile the damaged or completely severed relationship? If the relationship could be restored, would that not bring, to the highest degree possible, peace? He recalled the Savior’s words. “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matt. 5:23-24, ESV)

One question invariably led to another. What about the wounds left by those who were no longer with him? Relationships severed by death or by distances and places unknown. What about those wounds caused by abuse, one horrible kind or another? He knew that forgiveness, grace, and mercy were steps he could take. But in situations such as these, was reconciliation possible? “Where possible.” As far as it depended on him, he may, with Christ’s strength, find a way. He would pray about this.

He reasoned, as well, that Jesus would not want him to step into a situation where more harm might occur, especially if the offending party would likely react harshly, widening the gulf to reconciliation and peace. He would likewise pray about that.

And as he did so pray, this was the voice He heard in his heart. The heart with gaping wounds still open and scars developing through forgiveness, mercy, and grace. The voice he heard said to him, “My death on the cross covers what you may not be able to do. I know your heart, and I’ve got you. What you’d like to do but cannot, I can and have done for you.”