Stage 1 of 10
Injury
Something real happened. Name it truthfully.
What Can I Do Here?
- 1
Tell the truth about what happened. Do not make the hurt smaller than it was, and do not make it larger. What was actually said or done?
- 2
Name what you lost. Was it trust, safety, affection, dignity, a good name, an opportunity, belonging, or something else?
- 3
Bring the hurt into the light. Tell God honestly what happened. When wise and safe, speak with a mature believer who can listen and help.
Biblical Truth
Psalm 62:8
God tells His people to pour out their hearts before Him. Faith does not mean hiding pain.
Psalm 55:12–14, 22
The psalmist speaks honestly about the pain of being hurt by someone close, then gives his burden to the Lord.
Ephesians 4:25
God calls us to truth. Grace does not ask us to pretend that wrong is right.
Put It Into Practice
Before asking, “Am I bitter?” first ask, “What happened? What did I lose?” Then ask, “What is beginning to grow around this hurt?”
Key Thought
Healing does not begin by denying the wound. It begins by telling the truth about it.