We’ve seen in the scriptures that a Peaceful Heart leads to a healthy body. Colossians 3 says that we are to set our sights and focus on the things of heaven which will take our focus off the things of the earth which allows us to let the peace of God rule our hearts. What’s interesting is he lists the “things of the earth” and it’s not what you might think. When we set our sights on heaven it will require us to put off or let go of anger, wrath, malice, malicious behavior (unforgiveness and judgement toward others). It helps us to put off our old sinful nature that we used to live by and put on our NEW nature.
Notice it’s something we do, not something God does for us. We have to make that choice, “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him…”Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
In order for us to allow God’s Peace to rule in our hearts we must first do what he says as listed in the verses above. When we do, we will have a Peaceful Heart that God promises will lead to a healthy body. I don’t know about you, but it sounds good just thinking about it. Can you imagine living a life of Peace and Health? I can.
When the Lord led me to start Endless Possibilities a healing class at Ponce Church I decided that I would share and teach only what He was leading me to teach. What I’m finding out based on the content He has given me is this: Yes, He has provided healing for us when He sent Jesus to die on the Cross. But he has also been emphasizing the importance of forgiving others and how it can affect the healing that Jesus has provided. The more I listen in prayer and study of the scriptures I am finding that forgiveness and healing are connected. The Cross is all about forgiveness and mercy and thank God for it. But if we decide others that have offended us are not worthy of forgiveness then we have entered into judgement. And the scriptures say, “For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” Matthew 7:2. And if we have lived our life holding others sins against them then we are no longer walking in the mercy of God for our sins and the healing He has provided is hindered. Jesus said it this way in Mark 11, “If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive you.” Notice He says, “your Father in Heaven” he is talking to the believer in this verse. Jesus himself showed this to me many years ago when I first became a Christian. I am so glad he did because I want to live out my life showing mercy so that I will receive His mercy. Even though it has been difficult to forgive others at times, He has always helped me to forgive and I have found that life is more peaceful. If you need help forgiving someone, ask Him and keep your heart open and He will help you as well. As I have said many times in class and in my writings, “A Peaceful heart leads to a healthy body.” Proverbs 14:30, James 5:13-17, Mark 11:26, 1 Peter 2:24.
Personally I am thankful to God who loves us so much that he “corrects those he loves” even though it feels uncomfortable. He also says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Why? Because he’s a cruel God? No! Because he knows that if we listen to him we can live a life full of the “good” things that he has planned for us: Good and not evil. The evil comes when we refuse to follow His instructions. When we decide our way is better, we will continue to cleave to anger, wrath, malice, lying, hate, unforgiveness, judgement. Good comes when we choose to show Love and Mercy above all else, it is then that we will live in His Peace which leads to a healthy body. Love, God’s Love in us is ALWAYS the answer to everything including our health. Colossians 3:1-17, Proverbs 14:30 NLT.
