John 5:7

New International Version

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

For Meditation

Kofi says, “He did this to me, and I will never forgive him.” Helen says, “She hurt me so much that I will not rest until I see her receive a double portion of what she did to me.” Kristen says, “She has to crawl to me and apologize before I forgive her.” 

The question I want to ask you is this: How is that person doing? Do you think they care? Why should you condition your healing and joy with somebody’s action?

The anger, hatred, pain, bitterness, and loneliness you are nursing is sinking you into the pool of depression and suffocating the life out of you. You need and have to heal. So, learn from the story of the paralytic man at the Pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years (John 5:1-15).

The man had believed the superstitious healing of the pool. He had hanged hope of getting well on angels stirring the water, others having pity on him and holding back until he plunged into the pool, or somebody carrying him into it. Listen to him when Jesus came to the scene and asked him if he wanted to get well. 

“I have no one to help me into the pool when the water gets stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” [Emphasis mine].

Notice how he had grounded his wellbeing on “no one” and “someone.” What a pity! But Jesus is full of mercy and grace. He offered the man a novel way to healing. 

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (8).

Simple, but profound! The man got up, picked up his mat, and walked away. His healing did not involve anybody but his trust and obedience to Christ.

In the same way, your healing from anger, hatred, bitterness does not depend on the actions of one who hurt you. Neither does it depend on what punishment they receive. It hinges on a simple command of God:

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). 

The jail of unforgiveness is not pretty. Fortunately, the key to your freedom is in your hands—forgiveness (18:34). Open that door and free yourself today. I know it is difficult, but trust the Lord to heal you and take care of the other person.