The pain of divorce is brutal for men. So is the pain of a father wound. Sadly, men who have unresolved father wounds are far more likely to experience divorce, thus multiplying their own pain. Clinical observations do show a strong correlation between father wounds and relational struggles, including higher risks for:

• Marital dissatisfaction and instability
• Difficulty with emotional regulation and communication
• Fear of vulnerability or commitment
• Repeating dysfunctional patterns from their upbringing

Before Jesus was crucified, He often spoke of His inseparable relationship with God the Father. “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30. He also repeated these words about marriage from Genesis which read, “the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.” Mark 10:8. The oneness that exists between a husband and wife is only a faint reflection of the unity that exists between God the Father and Jesus.

The reason why divorce can be so incredibly painful is because it is tearing apart something that God has joined together (see Mark 10:9). Consider the pain of Jesus Christ who was wounded, rejected, and forsaken by God the Father.

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5

In light of Isaiah 53 which is all about Jesus, it was not the Roman soldiers who whipped, pierced, and crushed Christ on the cross… it was God the Father. Though Jesus had not sinned or lied, or harmed a single soul, the Father poured out His wrath upon His only Son for our behalf.

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’" Matthew 27:46. To be forsaken by His Father was the greatest wound of all. Far more painful than the most painful divorce, Jesus felt His very soul torn apart in that moment of agony. Yet, it was Jesus’ decision to obey the Father’s will to go to the cross and redeem humanity.

Jesus bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, healed our wounds, took our sins, made us righteous, and stands before God today making intercession on our behalf. He is our Wounded Healer and by His wounds we are healed.

Father /// Wound is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to become healthy men thriving in their relationships. When a man is willing to acknowledge the hurt, experience the healing, and share the hope that comes from the Father /// Wound study, he will become a better husband, father, and leader. Step forward with courage here.