Is There No Balm in Gilead?
This is a message for The Church. As we grapple with hurt and loss, whether we are black, white, sure or unsure, have this political stance or that, it is important that we deal graciously with one another.
I asked, “Lord is there no balm?”
My heart has been heavy and sick.
“Is there no balm in Gilead?” Jeremiah 8:22
With each turning on of the news or look at social media, there is new hurt, new dismay, new stones.
“There are those who speak rashly, but the words of the wise is a balm.” Proverbs 12:18
As I looked at my Bible, I wondered which words to read. Which ones would fix what is wrong? Which ones would bring clarity? Direction? Which ones would be the medicine I needed?
“What should I read, Lord?”
“All My Words are a balm.”
So I opened and began to read.
Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of God. Romans 14:9
Let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgement on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother. Romans 14: 13
Let us definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another. Romans 14:19
For where there is contention, discord, and strife, there is every evil thing. James 3:16
As I read through scripture after scripture so gently laid out before me, I realized that it is my job to avoid at all costs picking up and carrying the offenses that so easily present themselves at every corner, to avoid inviting in strife, opening the door to resentment, distrust, fear, anger, bitterness and, as a result, every other evil thing that vies to entrap us.
I realized that no balm would come from reading one more Facebook post, comment, or thread, or from watching one more video, one more news report, one more tweet or from striving to know exactly what was true and what wasn’t.
There would be no healing in those pursuits.
Our only balm is applying His Word and Love to our broken parts and to the broken parts of our brothers and sisters around us.
Which of His Words? Any of them.
For only His Words are the sweet balm of Gilead we so long for.
[In the last days] …many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Matthew 24:10
It’s a very sad and cruel society we live in; an unjustifiable existence in someone’s mind that it is okay to answer one wrong with another wrong. But it is also a world that gives us wonderful glimspes of God’s overflowing glory and love if we would just allow it. We have a precious Father that offers us bountiful grace and new mercies daily. During times like these people say so many hurtful things. They forget there are hearts on the other side of their words. Yours are inspiring and thought provoking.
So true, Trish. There are so many injustices and abuses, so much hurt and anger. Hearts will be the casualties. Our biggest battle will be to not pick up offenses and let the enemy plant his seeds of division. Much love, sister.
Beautiful! God is love, and if we all followed his examples, what a joyous world we would live in; like heaven! Thank you for your words.
Anita, I pray for strength and wisdom to follow His example. Such a serious time we find ourselves living in.