Scars and Stripes

Matthew 6:12 ESV

1. The anatomy of a wound and scar.
   1. Wound/Stripe: An unforgiven injury is an open, infected wound. Every time someone brings it up, it bleeds, it hurts, and it runs your life.
   2. Scar: Forgiveness is the surgical closure of that wound. It stops the bleeding, but sometimes leaves a mark.
2. Forgiveness is a choice, not amnesia.
   1. Genesis 41:51-52 ESV – You don’t have to forget to forgive. Forgiveness means you choose to drop the charges. When you look at the scar, you don’t think, “I want to get even.” You think, “Wow, God healed me from that.” 
   2. Genesis 42:7 ESV – Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.
3. Your scars could be your testimony.

1. 1. John 20:24-28 ESV – Why does God leave the scar? Because your scar is proof to the person sitting next to you that healing is possible. Your healed scar gives someone else the faith to let God close their open wound.