afraid to show our wounds

Our old friend St Aphrahat is back today, telling us about gangrene in our wounds in A Year with the Church Fathers.

He tells us something very important and timely. He says that we Christians must not be afraid to show our wounds to the physician, because if we hide them, they might get infected and become gangrene, and end up killing us.

I say this is timely because of the recent Joel Osteen situation. While I don't agree with Osteen's prosperity gospel (as you know, if you've read any of my blogs), I do think we should treat him with the respect that we would give anyone in a position of authority. Recently, with the Harvey flood hitting Houston, there was some question about whether or not Osteen was allowing his gigantic church to be used to help those in need. Whether there was flooding in the church or not, whether there was initial reluctance on his part to help or not, the fact remains that a large number of Christians attacked him for not helping. This "friendly fire" is a huge reason why Christians are reluctant to show their wounds. Current reports seem to indicate that he actually did nothing wrong.

But let's assume he did. Let's say he DID refuse to help some people in need. That would be sinful, right? Something he would need to repent from? And according to St Aphrahat, that's something he shouldn't hide, but should share with the physician so he can be healed. But if other Christians see his wound, his sin, and then attack him for it.... well, that is why people hide their sins. And that hiding is usually worse than the original sin was to begin with. The coverup just makes things worse and worse until it's a huge, soul crushing, life destroying monster.

So let's ease up on the friendly fire. If someone (we don't know, especially) is possibly in sin, let's pray for them. Let's not spread it around that they're a terrible person. Let's help them heal.

God, thanks for teaching us through St Aphrahat how to heal our wounds.