I came across this news article this past week (on the breakdown of a pastor). I was struck by one particular quote:
“My simple advice is if you know you’re at breaking point- pull your car over, find a few people who really love you and get honest. Speak to your board, get a counsellor for wise next steps. It’s not enough to just keep praying – it’s only part of the process. The word of God is clear that we go to God for forgiveness and people for healing. Please don’t push yourself so hard that you end up in hospital like me. …”
— Joel Cave
Now, I’m not currently facing any breakdown or relational hurt myself — thankfully. But a friend had recently been sharing with me some of their own friendship struggles, of which I’ve sadly seen unfold over time (at least in part). There have been very real consequences. I’ve reflected on how deeply people can get hurt 🙁
What captured my attention from the above quote is the author’s sentiment that God tells us to go to people for healing.
Yes, God does forgive us from our sin (1 John 1:9) and heals our wounds (Psalms 147:3).
But what could it mean to go to people for healing? When we hurt each other, when someone fails to be honest and uphold integrity, when trust is broken, when a lie is found out – is forgiveness between you and God somehow “not enough”? Could it be that there is a kind of healing and forgiveness between one another that is also vital, something God intends us to pursue as part of being restored?
Just my raw thoughts… 💭