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!

• How do we re-act when someone is criticizing us?

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 by releasing them from a wounded spirit (one cannot heal themselves of a wounded spirit ~ Proverbs 18:14).

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. ~ Rodney W. Francis.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• “He who angers you, controls you” ~ Anonymous.

• "Wrong attitudes in our lives will block the blessings of God and cause us to live below God's potential for our lives." ~ John Maxwell (USA).

• “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a permanent attitude ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. 

• “It is cheaper to pardon than to resent. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred” ~ Hannah Moore.

• "If Jesus Christ is not the answer to every problem, then He is not the answer at all!" ~ Dr. Billy Graham.

Bible  Readings:  

Luke 17:1-4; Matthew 5:11-12, 38-48; Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Peter 2:19-25.

 Please Pray This Prayer:

“Dear God, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I ask You to help me to be really serious about forgiving those who have criticized, hurt and offended me. I bring them to You right now. I place them on Your altar. I release them to You and I forgive them. Help me to leave them there with You. Bless them I pray! I ask You to help me to keep a right attitude and a good spirit toward those who have spoken negatively against me and/or the vision You have given me. Please take all unforgiveness out of my emotions and spirit. I really do want to be an effective and fruitful minister of Your Supernatural Gospel in my day and generation. I desire to fulfil Your vision for my life! Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray these things. Amen."

The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry,  New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.