Finding Healing When Your Smile Hides Hurt
Have you ever felt like you had to put on a brave face for the world, even though you were struggling inside? Maybe you’ve worn a smile that covered up shame, hurt, or trauma. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In my own journey, these hidden battles were the reason I wrote my book, Success from the Inside Out. I wanted to share how real change doesn’t just happen on the outside—it begins deep within our hearts.
What Does Ephesians 4:32 Really Mean?
Ephesians 4:32 says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” But what does that look like in real life? Let’s break it down into simple, everyday terms.
Kindness: The Heart of Real Change
Kindness isn’t just about being polite or saying nice things. It’s about letting love work through us in the way we treat others. True kindness is gentle, warm, and welcoming. It’s not fake or just for show—it comes from a deep desire to see others happy and to make their lives better. When we’re kind, we make our conversations uplifting, not hurtful. We don’t use words that tear people down, but ones that build them up.
Compassion: Feeling With Others
Being compassionate means having a tender heart. It’s about feeling for people who are hurting or who have made mistakes. Compassion isn’t just feeling sorry for someone—it’s being moved to show patience, understanding, and care, especially towards those who might not seem to deserve it. It’s the kind of heart that says, “I see you. I care about what you’re going through.”
Forgiveness: The Gift We Give Because It Was First Given to Us
Forgiving others can be really hard, especially if we’ve been deeply hurt. But Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that we forgive because God first forgave us through Jesus. Here’s what that means:
· Freely: God didn’t wait for us to deserve forgiveness. He gave it as a free gift, even when we didn’t earn it.
· Fully: Every mistake, every mess-up—God forgave it all. There’s no holding back.
· Generously: No matter how many times we’ve fallen, God’s forgiveness covers it all.
When we forgive others, we’re not just letting go of the past—we’re choosing to treat them as if the hurt never happened. We don’t keep bringing up old wounds. We decide to love, move forward, and work together for good. This isn’t just for the other person’s sake—it brings peace and healing to our own hearts, too.
Living It Out: Why It Matters
Forgiveness isn’t optional for those who follow Christ—it’s a duty. Holding onto anger or bitterness only hurts us and pushes away the healing presence of God’s Spirit. When we choose kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, we create an environment where everyone can grow and heal. Think about how many times you’ve needed a fresh start. Remembering how much we’ve been forgiven makes it easier to extend that same grace to others.
From the Inside Out
If you’re hiding pain behind a smile, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay that way. Let God’s kindness and forgiveness sink deep into your heart. Let it change you from the inside out. As you experience His love, you’ll find the strength to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others—even when it’s hard.
That’s what Ephesians 4:32 is all about: living with a heart healed and set free, so that your smile isn’t just a mask, but a true reflection of inner peace and joy.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 