Imagine being paralyzed, limited to laying on a bed for most of your life. Then you meet a man. He tells you that your sins are forgiven. You are confused by what he means, but you begin to feel different, lighter. There are people in robes discussing with the man. Then, he commands you to get up, pick up your matt, and walk. You haven't been able to walk all your life; yet, amazingly you lift yourself up with little effort and are able to move around and shake your legs. Later on you reflect on what your healer said to you. First: your sins are forgiven. Second: rise, take up your matt, and walk.
Jesus shows the importance of forgiveness by giving it first. How can we be healed without first being forgiven by God, others, and ourselves? Without mending the relationships that have been harmed, there is no moving forward from an injury. Everyone would just remain in their hurt.
Secondly, he says rise. Even after being forgiven or giving forgiveness, it can be hard to go back to normal life, especially if its been a long time. You have to initiate it too; no one can force it upon you. But, you do have many people who want to help you and who will support you.
Nonetheless, your hurt will never fully go away. Despite forgiveness and acceptance, there seem to always be moments when your hurt comes back to you. The most important part is to realize that this will happen. If you are prepared, you will be able to deal with it easier because you will not be caught off guard. Instead, you will know how to embrace the hurt of your past and find strength in it.
The ultimate end of dealing with hurt is being able to help others deal with their's. Like the ultimate mastery of a skill is being able to teach it well to others, so in dealing with pain. Christ did the same for us. He was tempted and He suffered on the Cross. Remember, "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world" (John 16:33).
