Bible scholar and pastor John Piper in his book “Desiring God” wrote, “The quickest way to the heart is through a wound.” (p. 80) Piper was describing Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman by the well about the living water (John 4). As they conversed, Jesus pointed out directly the deepest wound in this woman’s life – that she had had 5 husbands and the one she was currently living with was not her husband. The woman was completely taken aback. Deep secrets in her heart had been exposed, so she quickly changed the subject into something more neutral, which was a question about worship. But because a road had been opened straight into the woman’s heart, she was willing to believe the eternal God talking to her. The woman’s life was never again the same, and she brought many others to Jesus as well.
Why does a wound so easily touch our hearts and in a way heal us? I think it is because all of us have secrets that nobody knows about. Maybe it is guilt over something regretful, maybe it is about people who have hurt us and added to our suffering, maybe it is some secret vice such as our own laziness, selfishness, greed, lust etc. These wounds are kept deep inside the hearts; and as things in the dark, they fester and become worse. The healing comes when these wounds are exposed to treatment. In the same way, without the true light that Jesus brings, there is no freedom and healing for our wounds.
Sometimes in helping others, we may encounter a similar situation. When helping the other person to understand his or her deep rooted problems, one might go straight to the wound and point out the key issue. This usually brings out two responses. One is that the person cannot see it and still stays on the surface of the problems. Another is that the person understands but is unable to face it; hence, he or she may quickly bring up other topics for discussion. But often those who see their own problems and are willing to face them will be the ones who quickly experience God’s healing and touch.
The only way to heal is to open your heart and let Jesus shine his light into the darkest corners. When Jesus revealed the sin in the Samaritan woman’s life, it was not meant to embarrass her. Rather, it was an act of mercy and love, so that she would be freed in the light of God. As the new year of 2018 has officially begun, are our hearts also ready to face those long-hidden secrets? Be brave to repent, be brave to bear the consequences. Perhaps then this would truly be new year new improvement.