Pastor Roger Hoots latest message was titled “Wounds Needed and Invited,” reminding us that not every wound is the same, yet every wound must be handled at the foot of the cross.
“A wounded spirit is far more serious than a moment of sadness or disappointment.” – Pastor Hoots
If we ignore a wound, it can become infected. But if we obsess over it, we can hinder the healing God wants to bring.
Like a dog that won’t stop licking a wound, constantly reopening it, we sometimes tend to our hurts too much, feeding thoughts and emotions that keep the wound alive. Pastor Hoots reminded us that our healing comes when we fully submit to the Word of God and set our eyes on Christ.
Needed Wounds
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:6
Some wounds are needed. They help us. These wounds come from righteous correction and honest words from those who care about our spiritual well-being.
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” – Psalm 141:5
A true friend will tell you the truth even when it hurts. Their correction protects you, strengthens you, and points you back toward Christ.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14
A good counselor is one who points you to the scriptures. Rather than giving you their opinion, they help you see what the LORD says about the matter.
Needed wounds refine us and draw us closer to the Lord.
Invited Wounds
Proverbs 23:26–35 warns us about wounds we bring on ourselves through sinful choices. Pastor Hoots highlighted three major sources:
Immorality -Unclean thoughts and unholy actions always lead to pain.
Intoxication – Strong drink and substances cloud the mind, weaken judgment, and destroy testimonies.
Imagination – Sin often begins in the mind. When we allow wrong thoughts to grow, they eventually bear painful fruit.
Invited wounds hurt us and they hurt those around us. Sin always leaves deeper marks than we expect.
“You’re free to choose the action, but you are not free to choose the consequences.” – Pastor Hoots
The Spirit of Offense
Pastor Hoots closed with a brief message about the spirit of offense. Many believers are wounded today not because they were wronged, but because they refuse to accept what God’s Word clearly says. When Scripture confronts us and we don’t get our way, we can become offended instead of obedient. As a result, our pride steps up and we become resistant to the truth of the matter.
Offense is a trap. Obedience brings restoration.
Join Us This Sunday
Click HERE to watch the entire message “Wounds Needed and Invited.” We believe that every believer has a place to serve, to grow, and to glorify God. Come visit us this Sunday or learn more about our church family.
