A Raging Battle Within

--- "A raging Battle Within" ---

"A raging Battle Within" The Good and Evil of Forgiveness We all have been wronged one time or another. For some of us were wronged by our parents, others by our sibling, Or maybe we were wronged by our spouse, or co-worker what ever the case may be we need to deal with it. So how do we feel? It hurts, I want revenge, bitterness, anger against our perpetrator? And the battle begins! Forgiving does not mean forgetting or condoning a wrong. As we can see from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus speaks of forgiving others for their trespasses so that we, too, may be forgiven. He reminded me that in the end we won’t have to answer for what others do to us - only for what we do to them. “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Suddenly I realized I wasn’t as blameless as I had thought I was. I began to see that deep down I held grudges against them and instead of trying to justify myself, I needed to get down on my knees and ask God to forgive me. Then I would find strength to forgive.

Bitterness is more than a negative outlook on life. It is a destructive and self-destructive power Bitter people defend their grudges constantly: they feel that they have been hurt too deeply and too often, and that this exempts them from the need to forgive Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning… Returning hate for hate multiplies hate Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend it sets into motion a positive chain reaction that passes on the fruits of our forgiveness to others. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies - in fact, to “bless” those who persecute us. We examine our hurts over and over, and nurse our self-pity. What matters is standing right before God. The act of forgiveness carries a lot of power, if there is to be peace, there has to be forgiveness… There is a very pragmatic reason for forgiving. When we are wronged, we can either respond by seeking revenge, or we can forgive. If we choose revenge, our lives will be consumed by anger. When vengeance is served, it leaves one empty. Anger is a hard urge to satisfy and can become habitual. But forgiveness allows us to move on. There is also a more compelling reason to forgive. Forgiveness is a gift - it is mercy. It is a gift that I have received and also given away. In both cases, it has been completely satisfying. I forgive you, and I don’t hold anything against you. At that point all my hatred and anger was taken away. It was like some great weight had been lifted off my shoulders. (Mat 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. When we forgive, we do ourselves a big favor. We heal ourselves of the pain, hurt and bad memories. We discover humility. We rid ourselves of the sins of pride - the biggest obstacle to healing. When forgiveness is communicated, it heals others, and teaches others to do the same,

it teaches others humility, it teaches others to rid themselves of the sins of pride. A big load is lifted off the heavy heart. We start with a fresh clean heart to welcome the love of the Lord to flow in. Everyone benefits. It becomes contagious and more discover the ability to love unconditionally and experience the true meaning of joy. "And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." (Mat 6:12) "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." The other spirit does not want us to be healed because we are a child of God, and healing is a testimony to God's power and our faith in Him! We are in a battle, where we have to constantly fight off thoughts of doubt, unbelief, despair, and disappointment. But, we have received the weapons. Firstly, put on the whole armor of God. (Eph. 6: 13 18). Then, when you've done all, stand firm in faith, believing that you have already received your healing - despite physical evidence to the contrary! The devil wants to keep you dragging around a ball and chain of unresolved issues, but God has given you the key of forgiveness. Freedom comes when you forgive those who have sinned against you and when you receive God’s forgiveness for any sin you’ve committed. “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Forgiveness is power. It frees us from every constraint of the past, and helps us overcome every obstacle. It can heal both the forgiver and the forgiven. Yes, the Spirit is willing! Where the flesh falls down is in your thought life! Think about this for a moment. Healing does not always come in the form of an instant miracle. Most often, as explained in Eph. 6: 10 13, you need to: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "Thy faith hath made thee whole" (Mat. 9: 22)

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