He Wounds and He Binds
The lecture explains that God’s dealings with humans may sometimes appear as wounds or pain, but in reality they carry healing and greater good. God does not allow pain except to lead a person toward salvation and spiritual growth.
God Wounds to Heal
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the phrase “He wounds and He binds” means that God may allow trials and hardships, but at the same time grants comfort and healing. The wound is not an end in itself, but a means for spiritual building.
Seeing Half the Truth Is Not Enough
He emphasizes the mistake of looking only at pain without seeing the accompanying consolation. Every trial has two sides: pain and blessing. The true believer sees both together.
Biblical Examples
He presents many examples such as Jonah, Job, Joseph, and Daniel, where God allowed hardships but all ended in greater الخير and blessing. This confirms that God always works for the good of الإنسان.
God’s Love in Discipline
He clarifies that God’s wounds are “faithful” because they come from love, not like the wounds of the enemy. Even divine discipline carries tenderness and care.
Trust in God
He calls for complete trust in God, even in the midst of pain, because the same hands that wound are the ones that heal.
Trial with Consolation
God does not give a trial without also giving strength, endurance, and consolation, so a person can endure and give thanks.
Call to Faith
He concludes with a call to view everything God allows with faith, and to be certain that all things work together for good for those who love God.
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