Every few years, I (Dennis) undergo a stress test to determine the condition of my heart. These checkups are required as the result of a heart attack I suffered 20 years ago. The tests show if there is any deterioration in the heart muscle over time and if any intervention is required to ensure the health of my heart.

Jesus said to his disciples: A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. (Lk 6:43-45)

How convicting are these words of Jesus! What comes out of our mouths indicates the condition of our hearts. Are your words edifying or are they hurtful to your spouse and children? Do you often get angry for no apparent reason, leaving you and your family members wondering “where did that come from?” There is an adage that says “hurting people hurt people.” Harsh words indicate that there are some unresolved hurts in your past that are in need of healing.

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for…He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. (Ps 147:1, 3)

So many of us are wounded and these wounds affect our relationships. Unresolved hurts from childhood or young adulthood will undoubtedly bubble to the surface in our marriages. Anger, bitterness, negativism, criticism and complaining are signs that our hearts are in need of healing. Thankfully, all is not lost! You can receive healing from these past wounds. God wants to heal you. You do not have to be a slave to past hurts. Do you want to receive healing? Do you desire to have better control of your tongue? There is hope for healing.

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them… (Jer 33:6)

So what are the results of your “stress” test? Has your heart deteriorated? Is it in need of intervention to ensure its health and well-being? Expose your wounds to the grace of God. Give your wounds to Jesus.

“I am the Lord, your healer.” (Ex 15:26)

Let Jesus come into your heart. He is the cure to your aching heart. He is the Great Healer, the Doctor of the human heart. He wants to heal your pain and draw the poison out of your heart. Partake in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist; these are medicine for your hurting heart. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Heal all hurting hearts and fill them with your grace and peace!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives…to set at liberty those who are oppressed…” (Lk 4:18)