It has been said that the major cause of hindrances and bondages
in the lives of Christians is that of unforgiveness. Every one of us
will have experienced things in our lives, disagreements, criticisms,
accusations (both true and false) against us. We cannot avoid
these things happening. Even Jesus said that it was "impossible
but that offences would come" (Luke 17:1). Offences are "stumbling
blocks" which come against us ~ things said and done to us to put
us down, or to try and subject us to someone else's will, etc. So,
no matter how well we handle relationships, etc., we will all face
negative things being thrown at us. Some will "attack" us if for no
other reason but that they are jealous of us.

For the Christian we must accept that these things will happen in our lives.

· The big issue is how we deal with them!

It is very important to realize that once the offence has taken place,
that we cannot change that. What we can change is our response
to it, and how we allow it to affect us. The sooner we can take
these matters to the Lord and leave them with Him ~ and at the
same time practice forgiveness toward those who have offended us ~
the sooner we will be able to get on with our lives and continue to
be fruitful in His service. But if we allow those criticisms to get into
our emotions and cause us to re-act negatively and to start "bad
mouthing" that person who has offended (and hurt) us, then it will
quickly get into our spirit and lodge there. Once that happens, then
we become the loser in the situation ~ even if the accusations are
wrong! It is so important that we learn to keep short accounts with
God and with people; otherwise we will start on a downward
slippery slope that can cause us to finish up being hurt, angry,
resentful, "bitter and twisted", carrying a wounded spirit in the
process. None of us can afford to let that happen. Yet, in my
travels in numbers of countries, I am finding wounded Christians
that have to be set free...

It is sad, but true, that many who have a prophetic calling in God
have been "put down" or prevented from functioning. This has
caused many to be "shut down," be hurt and to go inwards, which
does not allow them to pursue and fulfil their calling. Tragically,
many Christian Leaders have been guilty of clamping down on
those who are trying to exercise their Spiritual Gifts. Regardless of
who caused the offence we all need to practice forgiveness. Let me
emphasize strongly to you: carrying unforgiveness in your heart is
not worth it! There is nothing good or justifiable in our carrying
unforgiveness. If you have any unforgiveness in your heart and life
right now, let me encourage you to make it a top priority to deal
with it, and to get rid of it. Take it to JESUS ~ give it to Him, as He
is the only One who can take it away from us. It is He that we are
called to please; and our carrying unforgiveness does not please
Him at all. In fact unforgiveness stops God from forgiving us of our
many offences against Him (Matthew 6:14-15)! Right now, come
before the Lord Jesus and give it all to Him.

_________________
SI Moderator - Greg Gordon