As I read this early this morning, I realized that it is so relevant to
our Christian walk. When you really think that we bring sorrow to God's
Holy Spirit by the way we live when it is in disobedience to His will...it
jolts you a bit.
======

One of the most devastating things we can do to ourselves is to develop
an unforgiving spirit. Of course, it is difficult to give up resentment
and our right to get even with those who have hurt us, but that is exactly
what God asks us to do--for their good and our own.
Unforgivenss has an enormous negative effect on us. The unhappiness
and stress caused by our bitterness creeps into the relationships we have
with co-workers, friends, and family. Our lack of forgiveness will chew
us up on the inside. But when we choose to be obedient to the Lord and
forgive, we will find freedom.
Assume full responsibility for the unforgiving spirit. The other
person is responsible for wrongful actions toward us; however, we also sin
by harboring unforgiveness.
Confess honestly. It is appropriate to admit to God when we harbor
resentment or wish that the other person be punished. But no matter what
we tell the Lord, our unforgiving spirit will return if we do not lay down
our anger. We must choose to do this repeatedly.
Pray for the individual who acted wrongly. We may not feel like
lifting him or her in prayer, but we must make a deliberate choice to talk
to God on behalf of our wrongdoer.
Even after we have done all the things, the bitter spirit may still
crop up in our hearts. When that happens, we can immediately thank God
that we have, in fact, forgiven. We never want to let Satan trap us into
rehashing the past.

InTouch Ministries
Avoid the Landmine of Unforgiveness 1/05

Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT

30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.
Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing
that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all
bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of
malicious behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
--

http://www.alt-christianlife.com

Stories, Testimonies, Christian Poetry, Christian Art, Discussion Forums,
Chat


--
Christian Life - How We Live What We Believe As Christians