Jesus was scarred so you didn't have to be.
So many of the people I talk to on our Twitter page struggle with self harm. That's one of the target audiences of this ministry; teens who self harm. Something that came to my mind as I was worshipping tonight was that phrase I shared with you. I've heard it somewhere before and it just flooded back into my mind tonight. Every one of you self harms for a different reason and you all have different triggers but I know for some, its a form of punishment. Maybe you're not perfect, maybe you say that you deserve it. But here's the thing: Jesus took that punishment for you. He endured it for you. He wants abundant life for you! Not scars. Because He was scarred so you didn't have to be. He took on the cross for you! He didn't go through all that torment and pain and misery so that you could just run into the arms of the very thing He saved you from! Galatians 5:1 says "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." I love that verse. God wants more for us then this. We were set free! The only chains are the ones we put on ourselves. For those of you who are thinking that this post isn't for you because you aren't "religious" or something, this is for you. Jesus died for you whether you accept His gift or not. And believe me there is no time like the present to decide that you want Jesus. Its simple. Putting your faith in Him. That's it. He did the hard part; He covered the price for your sins, you just need to accept that payment. I promise you that He is waiting with open arms for you.
My hope is salvation for every single one of you. I pray so very hard that each one of you will come to know the love that God has for you. I'm sorry if I don't make sense or if you get confused by churchy words. I am here for you no matter what you believe, but just know that God is waiting for you and He desires to be with you.
Maybe the whole concept of Jesus is weird to you and maybe He seems too much like a fictional character than an actual person. Maybe you don't see how Jesus could understand anything or get you. Allow me to try and help.
My wish for every single one of you? To come to know this Man. My fear was to turn people off by mentioning Jesus too much but it has come to my attention that I have the greatest gift in the world, the least I could do is share it. My personal wish is to see each one of you overcome your struggles, to rise above them. I don't want you to harm yourselves anymore and I don't want you to starve yourselves anymore; how much more must He love you?
I wish there was a way for me to emphasize the importance of this. Jesus was scarred so you didn't have to be. You don't need this anymore. You don't need a blade or nails in your flesh; you need life. I say this because I love you guys and I love Jesus. This ministry is for you guys and Him and I want you to know that. I pray that this post has tugged on your heart and changed something in you. I pray that you'll think about these words and if you haven't made the choice to accept Christ; I pray that you will now. God bless you<3
-Faith