11.5.15

When we hear the word “power,” we think of strength—a magnificent animal or a linebacker who plows through a row of opposing players. We think of tornados or nuclear bombs. But in the spiritual realm, the greatest power is Unity. God says one can put a thousand to flight, and two ten thousand. Jesus says if we agree together as touching anything, it shall be done by our Father in heaven.

Unity. Satan will do anything to destroy it, and one of the most abominable things to God is he who sows discord among the brethren. My adult children hate when I mention sex with their father. They will put their hands over their ears and go “la, la, la” to avoid hearing anything. I wish we would do that when anyone begins to sow discord.

I am on the MOPS team and also a Board of Directors for the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Buckhannon, and I know when we work together after prayer, the team can come up with more creative, powerful ideas than I ever could have by myself!

Guard unity carefully. In your church, in your family, among our friends in your marriage. And one of the most powerful weapons to do to do that—besides refusal to listen to any person or any tempting thought—is forgiveness. But forgiveness can be tough. We are commanded to forgive. My pastor told me once that un-forgiveness is a poison we drink, thinking it will hurt someone else. But it hurts us. Bitterness is a cancer in our spirits that must be cut off at the root.

If we could look into one another’s souls, we would see real cause for bitterness. Adultery.  Abuse, physical and mental.  Betrayal. Deep wounds. Impossible to forget. Don’t forget—Celebrate Recovery defines insanity as repeating the same behavior expepting a different result. in a pattern of abuse.  But you can and must forgive.

I’m not saying return to an unhealthy relationship. But holding on to bitterness will destroy you. Let go of it! Don’t let an unfaithful lover or an abusive parent keep the power to hurt you. They aren’t worth it!

In closing, I want to give you a clue. When it is impossible to forgive, remember with God, all things are possible! When I couldn’t forgive my sister for repeated offenses, I knew I should. God commanded it. Didn’t I pray, “Our Father, which art in heaven . . . forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us . . .” Whoa! Forgive them the way I want to be forgiven? So I said daily, “I forgive her,” but my feelings and thoughts didn’t line up. Finally, I threw myself on the mercies of God and cried out, “Lord, I can’t!” But Jesus could, and He did. He died for her. And, you know what? He lives in me! A light bulb went off. “Jesus, you forgive her. Would you, in me, forgive her? I choose to forgive her, Lord, do it.”

I released it. It was done. Over time, the bitterness faded, the feelings lined up, and our love rekindled. Don’t rekindle toxic relationships, but if you have children by someone who has betrayed you, you have to face that person, and he will always be your child’s father. God will be beside you and in you to do the impossible.

If you need help with that prayer, or if you have never asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, to live in you so that you can achieve the impossible, talk to one of your team leaders today. We are here for you.

God, search our hearts and try us to see if there be any wicked way in us. Help us to choose forgiveness, by your grace. In Jesus’ name.