Slide 1

WOUNDS
Processing Wounds from the Perspective of the Cross
vs. the Perspective of the Victim
A study on the origin of wounds, how they become spiritual infection, and the path to healing

Slide 2

ORIGINS
How Wounds Occur
Others sin against God by their disobedience
01
We sin against God by our disobedience
02
2

Slide 3

THE INFECTION BEGINS
How a Wound Becomes Infected
“Beelzebub” — Lord of the Flies
The Spiritual Parallel
In Matthew 12, Jesus refers to the devil by this name.
An untended wound doesn’t stay still. Spiritually, it festers the same way — what begins as hurt, left unaddressed, progresses step by step into something that can open a door to demonic activity.
Open wounds attract flies.
Flies induce infection.
Infection untreated can lead to death.
See the next slide for how this progression unfolds.
3

Slide 4

THE INFECTION PROGRESSES
From Hurt to Bondage
1
2
3
4
5
HURT
OFFENDED
RESENTMENT
BITTERNESS
BONDAGE
Behaviors Now Change
Lack of Trust
Suspicious
Build Walls
Lack of Vulnerability
Supressed Emotions
Wrong Emotions
Victim
Oppression / depression
Rage
Suicidal
Independent & Rebellious
Fearful & Controlling
A long-lasting, festering feeling that builds over time.
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” — Eph 4:26
An injury (or perceived injury) caused by something that happened to you.
An immediate, sharp reaction of anger or hurt.
Lk 17:1 Offenses will come
“This is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” — James 3:13
-Bitterness is an open door to the demonic.
-Judgments are formulated.
-Internal walls are built.
-You become justified in your emotions and responses.
›
›
›
› Hebrews 12:15 — “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.” 4

Slide 5

THE PATH TO HEALING
How Do I Heal?
Did someone sin against me?
Who Sinned against me?
What was the sin?
Brother / Sister in Christ
Perceived offense
A sinner (not a believer)
Matthew 18: go and tell them privately. If they listen, you’ve gained them. “Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” (Eph 4:32)
No actual sin occurred. Bring it honestly to God and release the perception — not the person.
Step 1: Forgiveness
FORGIVE — releasing Heaven into the earth
5

Slide 6

FORGIVENESS
What Forgiveness Is — and Isn’t
Forgiveness
Forgiveness ≠ Reconciliation
Forgiveness is a nature of Christ — it releases Heaven into the earth.
Reconciliation takes two people. Scripture speaks of three types of people: the Wise, Fools, and the Evil.
It takes only one person: releasing your right to personal vengeance, choosing not to hold another’s sin against them.
You can choose to forgive any person.
But you can only reconcile with the wise.
Entrust justice to God — “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom 12:19)
A decision that may need to be renewed as painful memories resurface.
6

Slide 7

THE NEXT STEP
I Have Forgiven. What’s Next?
Choose sonship over victimhood
1
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Rom 8:28
Choose the Word of God over emotions
2
Emotions are unreliable. “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7) — “…put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Isa 61:3)
Stop recirculating thoughts
3
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” — 2 Cor 10:5
Give no place to the devil
4
“In your anger do not sin.” — Eph 4:26
Spend time with Jesus
5
“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul.” — 1 Pet 2:25
7

Slide 8

WHEN THE WOUND IS SELF-INFLICTED
Healing a Self-Inflicted Wound
1
2
3
Repent to God
Ask forgiveness
Ask God to heal
You opened the door — acknowledge that you disobeyed God.
Seek forgiveness from those whom your decisions affected.
Invite Him to heal your wounds and your emotions.
8

Slide 9

THE EVIDENCE OF HEALING
How Do I Know If I Am Healed?
Look at the fruit.
✓
✓
No more triggers
You experience peace in your soul — settled
✓
✓
You trust God. No need to control
You can pray for ‘that’ person with a pure heart
9

Slide 10

WOUNDS
Processing Wounds from the Perspective of the Cross
11

Slide 11

ROOT ANALYSIS
Am I Wounded?
Areas affected by our wounds:
Physical Body
Mind
Sickness
“There is no soundness in my flesh… my wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness.” (Ps 38)
Obsessed
Depressed
Fearful
Insecure
Believing demonic lies
Emotions & Behaviors
Spirit
Guarded / defensive
Hard-hearted, angry
Blocked: separated from pain and vulnerability
Controlling, fearful
Anger, rejection, shame, guilt, offended, sarcasm, bitterness
Blaming God, angry at God, questioning “why?”
Not trusting God
Open door to the demonic: fear, failure, isolation, loneliness, shame, control, rejection, rebellion, depression, trauma, revenge, suicide
10