They were angry and mean to me. I could not recall anything I had specifically done to generate this attitude toward me. In fact, if you asked them on Sunday morning, “How are you today?” I am sure they would have responded with, “I’m fine.”

They were clearly not fine.

Was it because of me, or was I merely the recipient because of my proximity?

What happens when the hurt we’ve buried deep starts to seep out into our actions, our attitudes, and our relationships?

Internal wounds, whether they come from betrayal, disappointment, grief, or shame, don’t stay hidden forever. Left unaddressed, they begin to manifest in subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways: a short temper, isolating ourselves, cynicism, or even physical symptoms. One wise Christian told me, “We often externally manifest our internal hurts.”

As followers of Jesus, we must address the pains we feel deep inside if we wish to have genuine relationships and authentic community. Instead of ignoring our pain, we can bring it into the light. Talk to God honestly. Invite wise, godly friends or a counselor into the process. As we allow God to heal what’s going on inside, we’ll begin to see new life bear fruit on the outside.

Letting your hurt be visible isn’t a sign of weakness; it can be the beginning of healing, transformation, and a testimony of God’s grace at work.