The Devil has many methods and devices which he uses to try to discourage the faith of believers.Unfortunately for many Christians, Satan’s ultimate weapon still remains a secret.
As a matter of fact, Jesus taught about it repeatedly. He certainly knew its danger and made it a priority to instruct his followers of how to protect themselves against it.
The Apostle Paul said, "A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan; for we know what he is trying to do" (2 Cor. 2:11 The Living Bible).
There! Did you see what the Devil’s secret weapon is? If it’s not yet obvious, you can find one more clue in the writings of John. He also taught how to overcome this scheme so that it would never make us stumble. He wrote, "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble" (1 John 2:10 NIV).
Satan knows that if he can deceive us into harboring anger, bitterness, or grudges toward our fellow Christians, he can actually cause us to fall from the grace of God. The scripture says, "looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Heb. 12:15).
Is it really possible to lose one’s salvation by merely holding a grudge against someone? Jesus left no room for doubt on the subject. He clearly stated that we cannot have God’s forgiveness if we choose to withhold forgiveness toward others. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt 6:14-15).
It’s no wonder why Satan works so hard to stir up turmoil, and tries to keep us from forgiving and loving each other. If he can deceive us into harboring bitterness, he knows that we will exempt ourselves from God’s forgiveness of our sins, and will ultimately go to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). The consequences of unforgiveness is reiterated in many scriptures: Matt. 18:21-35, Mark 11:25-26, Matt. 6:12, Luke 6:37, Luke 11:4.
The scriptures make it very clear that the person who withholds forgiveness in not right with God. Their prayers go unanswered, they lack the Lord’s joy and peace. They will usually mainfest a critical and judgmental attitude, along with a dissatisfaction with the people and circumstances around them. They may blame their unhappiness on a variety of other things, but the problem lies within themselves -- they’re simply out of fellowship with the Lord.
Jesus taught that loving God and loving one another were the highest ideals of His followers (Luke 10:27). Love and forgiveness is the most basic standard of Christianity -- it is the mark of followers of Christ -- the highest display of spiritual maturity! Love is the evidence necessary to convict you as a true follower of Jesus Christ. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).
"Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know Him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God - for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8 The Living Bible).
-Bits and Pieces of Sermon By Dr. Dale A. Robbins-
Father, I come to you in the name of the Lord Jesus. I know you love me and I love You and I desire to be free. I repent of not forgiving, of holding bitterness in my heart and being upset with People, You, Situations and even Myself. Father as you so willingly forgive, I too choose to forgive. I ask you to shine a light on my heart and show me any hurtful or traumatic experience that is holding me in bondage and any unforgiveness in my heart because of it. Show me everyone I need to forgive. Let the Spirit of Truth rise up and speak in the Name of Jesus.
-Debi Webster-
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