Do you find it difficult to have a clean slate with everyone? I do. The desire is there but even when love and forgiveness are present, some of my hurts are not fully resolved. It seems like, that soft scar tissue needs some special ointment.
Receiving a glorified body doesn’t include a memory wipe so we will still have the memories of our earthly lives including tragedies, wounds, and the hurt we caused others. GOD has put in place something better than a memory wipe. He has established mechanisms to bring us healing from the wounds we have experienced on Earth. The river of life, the tree of life, and experiencing the love and acceptance of GOD with all barriers and doubts removed. In addition, imagine the joy and healing from the heavenly reunions and restitutions that will take place. The experience of restitution affords us the opportunity for deeper relationships.
There is spiritual growth because of the pain we experience on Earth. We overcome sin and hurt, and exercise faith to bring our developed Christ like character into eternity. Since GOD weaves all these things together for good for those that love Him, He will transform and restore relationships. He doesn’t need to utilize a quick fix—He is above it all and sovereign.
The Bible tells us to make restitution and amends with people, but there are many circumstances where this is not possible or safe during this lifetime. We can forgive anyone at any time whether they are present or not, but having a face to face with someone and working it out in love is far better. These restorations will happen quickly in Heaven, and there will be complete joy, love, and understanding when it does take place.
I resonated with seekers on a television series who wanted to reunite with their biological families and/or loved ones. The causes for the separations were wide and varied. There were many sad stories of pain and separation. Many of the seekers experienced emotional trauma as children and they were seeking answers, forgiveness, acceptance, love and restitution.
I had empathy for one gentleman who was searching for his biological mother because I am an adopted child as well. He told the viewers about his painful childhood and the longing to meet his birth mother. It was easy to see through his tears that he wanted to experience the love and acceptance from his birth mother which he missed out on as a child. Excitedly, the producers were able to locate his birth mother. She expressed her sadness for putting her son up for adoption and was excited to learn about his longing to meet her. When they finally met on the show, they had a very joyful reunion. You could feel and perceive the healing. I couldn’t believe how much healing was taking place in such a short amount of time–the burden really seemed to roll away. You could say, it was picture perfect as far as Earthly restitutions go.
Most of the pain we experience on Earth comes from broken relationships. This is because people close to us typically hurt us the most. If you have emotional pain from a broken relationship, please realize, we all need the touch of a savior. Jesus wants to take those hurts from you now, He wants to heal your pain. Your heavenly Father wants to be the one you run to for love and acceptance. He will never leave you or forsake you, He loves you with an everlasting love, He wants you to come as you are–that’s what I did. Jesus gave me healing and gave back what the enemy stole. Jesus never fails.
Unfortunately, some people may never get to experience a person to person healing while on this Earth. But, imagine the greater joy, the greater healing, the celebration, when these emotional encounters of healing take place in Heaven. Restitution and reunion are wonderful experiences when all of the people involved are present in truth, love, and grace. This is the nature of Heaven and eternity, because all things are restored—love, and joy forevermore will be the result.
If you struggle with unforgiveness today, you know that misery is your companion. Bring your concern to Jesus and lay it down at His feet. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart and knocking softly. Allow His love and presence to be the special ointment.
Reflection
I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are satisfied. You will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you. My people will never again be put to shame. Joel 2:25-26