Scars. We all have them, whether visible on our skin or hidden deep within us. Scars can come from surgeries, accidents, illnesses, abuse, relationships, sin, or hardship. While scars remind us of pain, they don’t have to define us. God can redeem our scars and use them for His glory. Let’s explore what the Bible says about scars.
Key Takeaways:
- Scars are the result of living in a fallen, sinful world
- Jesus bears the scars from his crucifixion, showing his sacrifice for us
- God can use our scars to minister to others who have gone through similar struggles
- Scars remind us of God’s deliverance and healing in our lives
- In heaven, God will wipe away every tear and remove all scars from our bodies
- Jesus’ scars are a trophy of God’s love and victory over sin and death
Scars from Sin and Hardship
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We live in a fallen world corrupted by sin. As a result, we endure hardship and suffering, which often leave scars. The first scar came with the fall in the Garden of Eden:
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15 NKJV)
The “bruise” or scar hinted at the suffering Jesus would endure to redeem mankind. The Bible is filled with stories of how sin and hardship scarred people. Jacob limped after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:25). Moses’ hand became leprous when he disobeyed God (Exodus 4:6-7). David’s sins left scars on his family and kingdom. Our disobedience and trials also leave scars.
Though affliction and scars come with living in a fallen world, we have hope. Isaiah foretold the coming Messiah:
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV)
Jesus endured wounds and scars to heal ours. His sacrifice makes us whole no matter how broken or scarred. We all struggle and suffer, but Christ bears our burdens if we surrender them to Him.
Scars on Jesus’ Body
After His resurrection, Jesus kept the scars on his body from the crucifixion. The nail prints in His hands and feet and the wound in His side forever marked God’s sacrifice on our behalf:
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20 NKJV)
Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (John 20:27 NKJV)
Why keep the scars? Scripture shows they identified Jesus to the disciples and verified his bodily resurrection. But more than that, they symbolized Christ’s wounds for our healing:
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV)
His scars are a permanent reminder of God’s love for us. Jesus still bears those scars in heaven today. The sight of the Lamb who was slain eternally glorifies Christ and reminds us of His sacrifice (Revelation 5:6, 12).
Scars for God’s Glory
Rather than hiding our scars, God wants to use them for His glory. Scars testify to God’s deliverance, healing, and restoration in our lives. Our weaknesses showcase God’s strength at work within us:
For My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)
Paul boasted in his “thorn in the flesh” because God’s power shined brighter in Paul’s weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God displays His strength through our trials and scars.
Scars also allow us to minister to others going through similar struggles. Paul affirmed this:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV)
Because of what God brought Paul through, Paul could understand and comfort others in their hardships. Our scars make us uniquely equipped to minister to those with similar scars. Your abuse may help someone dealing with the same trauma. Your injury might encourage someone with a similar disability. Even sins and failures can become redemptive when we seek God’s healing.
Scars remind us of battles we’ve already won with Christ’s help. They tell the story of God’s faithfulness in our lives. That testimony praising God’s sovereignty and strength defeats the enemy who wants shame and silence. Scars echo Christ’s words to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What a powerful witness!
Scars Healed in Heaven
One day God will completely heal all our scars. In heaven, He will wipe away every tear and remove all pain and brokenness:
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NKJV)
We look forward to the day when Christ “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). No more scars, wounds, illness, deformity, or effects of sin will remain. We’ll have perfect resurrection bodies unmarred by the fall.
John described the glories of heaven’s restoration:
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4 NKJV)
Imagine the relief and joy of every scar erased for eternity! No more reminders of sorrow, sin, and affliction. Just perfect wholeness in Christ’s presence. The scars we bear on earth will make the healing of heaven that much sweeter.
Conclusion
Though scars mark us with stories of pain, God transforms them into testimonies of His grace. Scars remind us of Christ’s sacrifice to heal all wounds. They give us opportunities to minister and showcase God’s strength. Most wonderfully, Jesus will erase every scar when He makes us perfect in heaven. What comfort and hope we have in Christ, who kisses every scar with mercy and tenderness! He cherishes our brokenness because it draws us closer to Him. None of our scars are beyond the reach of God’s loving and redeeming touch.
