Sermon Illustrations

[131]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – HURTING PEOPLE HURT

When I was in England on ministry I went to a conference of church leaders and one of the speakers presented a very good talk on outreach for the unchurched people. One of the things he said was, “Hurting people hurt,” and I have not forgotten that comment.

Some people hurt others because they are hurting inside themselves. The other aspect is that there are hurting people because of what sin and the world has done to them. I wrote the poem in a general fashion looking at hurt and hurting.

The word “hurt” is used a few times in the NASB New Testament and here is one of them. {{Romans 14:15 “If because of food YOUR BROTHER IS HURT, you are no longer walking ACCORDING TO LOVE. Do not destroy with your food him FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED.”}} Christians can hurt other Christians because of their actions, or their superior attitude against gentler believers. That is not good. In the case of this verse Paul was referring to meat offered to idols but it can include many things.

In this Romans verse the offender is reminded that his walk is not according to love. Also Paul makes it clear in the last few words “FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED” that this is a serious matter. Some arrogant people want to take authority over others and show how important they are. They hurt believers and don’t show love. Christ died for these hurt believers!

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HURTING PEOPLE HURT

Hurting people here, and hurting people there,

In this street and that one, they’re not hard to find.

Sin is so insidious, that it will creep

To seek another human person to bind.

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The shackles it possesses are made of cords -

Cords of great affliction, those affect the soul.

The hurt is spread upon the wheels of sadness.

Satan does not want a part, but wants the whole.

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How can we deal with hurt and remedy it?

The world has therapists and drugs to ease pain:

Their medic field of counsellors and helpers,

But Christians are living on a higher plane.

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Christians too can suffer tragedy and hurt

In their journey through affliction, hurt and pain.

Just as the unsaved, they have like emotions.

They struggle too, their composure to regain.

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Christians are granted those hidden resources -

Assistance the High Priest supplies to His own.

Who knows better than Christ, who here, suffered hurt;

His comfort and love never leave you alone.

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People hurt others but they themselves are hurt.

Those who have been through distress, know how to feel;

To comfort others is a service most grand.

Realise: hurt people hurt, but healed people heal.

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27 September 2021 R E Ferguson Metre = 11 throughout

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