Wounds
Traditional Meaning: In many spiritual or religious contexts, “sins” are often described as moral failings, disobedience to God’s commandments, or willful transgressions that separate us from divine presence. The term usually carries connotations of guilt, wrongdoing, and the need for punishment or forgiveness.
Healing Metaphor Meaning: When reimagined as “wounds,” sins become more than just moral failures — they are injuries to the soul that need care, attention, and healing. This shift emphasizes compassion and recovery rather than guilt and condemnation. It opens space for empathy, both toward ourselves and others.
Expanded Exploration
Traditionally, sin has roots in the idea of “missing the mark” — failing to meet divine expectations. This has been understood doctrinally as something that offends God or disrupts our eternal progression. However, the metaphor of “wounds” invites us to see those disruptions not merely as disobedience but as damage — sometimes self-inflicted, sometimes caused by others, sometimes inherited through systems or trauma.
By viewing sins as wounds, the healing metaphor reframes spiritual struggles in terms of vulnerability and care. Instead of judgment, the emphasis becomes healing, restoration, and reconnection — both with God and with others. It aligns deeply with the core Christian themes of compassion, mercy, and the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Scriptural Examples
One powerful reframing of this metaphor comes from a verse in the Doctrine and Covenants that traditionally speaks of sins and forgiveness. When interpreted through the lens of healing, it reveals a tender assurance: that our deepest wounds — once acknowledged and released — are not held against us by a compassionate God who desires our renewal, not our punishment.
Original Text: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42)
Reinterpreted Text: “Behold, the one who has reoriented themselves towards me and show their wounds to me is healed and renewed, and I, the Caretaker, remember those wounds no more.”
Personal Reflections
Viewing sins as wounds has softened how I see my own shortcomings. When I see myself as someone who is wounded — not broken or inherently bad — it becomes easier to offer myself grace and ask, “What healing do I need?” instead of “What punishment do I deserve?”
It has also changed how I view others. When someone acts out of anger or fear, I try (imperfectly) to ask what wounds might be influencing their behavior. This doesn’t excuse harmful actions, but it encourages a posture of empathy and invites me to respond with curiosity and care rather than judgment.
Applications
Try reflecting on your own spiritual journey through the lens of wounds. When you think about times you've “sinned” or felt far from God, ask: “What was hurting in me at that time? What healing was I needing?”
When you encounter others who are struggling or who have caused harm, try seeing their behavior as an expression of unhealed wounds. This can shift your response from blame to curiosity, from judgment to compassion.