How We Treat Others and Our Health
Jesus Christ, the great substitute, went to the cross on our behalf and bore everything that the devil would use to try to destroy our peace. Jesus destroyed sin, and with it, the fear of death and hell. In His great sacrifice, Jesus also destroyed any excuse we would ever have to hold a grudge or to treat someone with contempt. Jesus not only paved the way for us to have peace with God, but He demonstrated a love that can always be at peace with others. The magnitude of God’s Gift was designed to sober the minds of men to surrender all differences they might have with fellow man. In doing so, God was providing another means for us to walk in divine health.
Being at peace with others is not just healthy for our minds; it’s also healthy for our bodies. The Bible says from our hearts flow “all the issues of life.” (Prov 4:23) The health of our body is no different; it is subject to what is in our hearts. Proverbs 11:17 says, “The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.” Biblically speaking, there is a direct connection between how we treat others and the health of our bodies. Fact: A person who is at peace with others will be more likely to walk in health. Show me a person who is quick to forgive and I’ll show you someone who is quick to recover. Acts 24:16 says, “And here do I EXERCISE myself, to always have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men.” I think it’s very interesting that the Apostle Paul, who was speaking in Acts 24:16, used the word “exercise” when talking about living at peace with God and man. Just like physical exercise, remaining free from offense will benefit the body. People who are easily offended are like people who never exercise; sooner or later it will catch up to them. If you are struggling in your health, make sure you don’t have any outstanding grudges against anybody. Make sure that you are at complete peace with anybody you may have offended.
Proverbs 11:17 says, “…he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.” That word “cruel” literally means to produce terror in the emotions of others. When we think of terrorism, we think of buildings exploding and people with bombs strapped to their chest. But how many people are terrorists to the emotions of those in their home or at work? Spouses that are always angry and speak sharply are emotional terrorists. People who sit around the break room and gossip about the boss are emotional terrorists. The cold shoulder is a cousin to sickness. They are related because when you hurt someone else’s feelings on purpose you are inviting illness upon your body. Husbands that slam doors and cupboards to prove how tough they are will be tested in their bodies. People who want to live long and healthy lives should first learn to live free from strife with their fellow man.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
