Category: Emotions & Thought Life

Why Is Life Unfair?

Dec. 03 Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on Why Is Life Unfair?

We’ve all at some point in our life have asked ourselves this question: Why is life so unfair???
We look at the situation in our world and we wonder if there will ever be any justice, fairness or equality in the world.
We may also ask ourselves these questions: Why do the wicked and corrupt prosper, while the righteous or innocent seem to struggle? Why isn’t God quick to bring justice to those who are abusive and wicked? Where is God during my time of pain and suffering?

To answer the above questions, it is important to understand 2 very important issues which are:
1. The condition of man
2. The condition of the world

 

Life Is Unfair Because Sin Exists – The Condition of Man
The Bible reveals that man was once perfect. In the beginning God created the universe and He created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27-28) and He saw that all that He had created was good (Genesis 1:31).
However the perfect condition of mankind tragically changed when Adam & Eve sinned by disobeying God in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-24).
As a result of sin, the condition of man was no longer perfect. Instead the following occurred:
• Man’s view of himself changed (Genesis 3:7)
• Man’s view of God changed (Genesis 3:8-11)
• Man’s view of one another changed (Genesis 3:12-13)
• Man’s relationship with the earth changed (Genesis 3:17-19)
Therefore the sin in man brought in imbalance to life. The unfairness that exists in life is because mankind is the primary reason for why life is unfair.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the worsening condition of mankind in the last days.
It says: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Such a wicked condition of man’s heart explains why life is unfair. We live in a world where the love of man is growing cold; we seek only to satisfy our own fleshly desires instead of pleasing God; people do not love God and they do not love each other; we love darkness instead of light.

John 3:19-20 says: And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

Therefore life is unfair because evil exists and so both evil and the unfair circumstances we experience in the world entered because of the sin of Adam in the garden of Eden.
Romans 5:12 says: Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned

 

Life Is Unfair Because Satan is the god of this World – The Condition of the World
The world as we currently know it has systems and values that are controlled by satan. Therefore life is unfair because the Scriptures refer to satan as being the “god of this world” who has “blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
So the devil has introduced philosophies, values, methods, religions and even economic systems that are contrary to God or the kingdom of God.
In Matthew 4:8-10 the devil showed Jesus all the “kingdoms of the world and their glory” and promised to give them to Jesus in exchange for His worship.
Romans 12:2 tells us “not to be conformed to this world” but that we should renew our mind and discern the will of God.
In Genesis 1:28-30 we learn that mankind was initially given dominion over the earth and that as a creation who was made in God’s image, man was given a special role to be a steward over the earth.
However, Adam & Eve submitted to the devil’s temptation thereby allowing satan to establish his own demonic systems and authority in the world.
Therefore as satan’s kingdom wars against the kingdom of God, there are many circumstances and situations that will occur in our lives that reflect the injustice and unfairness of life in general.

 

What Should We Do When Life Is Unfair?

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. It also says that in all our ways we are to acknowledge God and He will direct our paths. It’s therefore important to live our life by faith and trust in God – and not according to our feelings. We are to trust God that despite our situation or circumstances, God is in control and He will direct our path in life.
  • Romans 8:28 says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose”.
    So even though there are situations or circumstances that are happening around us, we must take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign and He is in full control of everything that happens in the universe.
    There is nothing that surprises God. For every Christian believer, God is working all things for good. Therefore God can use bad situations for the good of the Christian believer.
  • Even though we live in a corrupt world, there will come a time when God will ultimately perfect all things once again. The devil is living on borrowed time. Satan was already defeated by Jesus at the Cross. Therefore the devil will soon meet his demise.
    God is a just God. God is a fair God. God will bring justice and all the world will know that God is indeed good. Psalms 37 says that we should not fret or be envious of wrongdoers for they will soon fade like the grass. God will one day bring balance and justice in a corrupt and unfair world.
  • Remember that no matter how tough life can be, God is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. There is nothing physical or spiritual that can separate you from God’s love and He can lead you and guide you through every situation because in Christ you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:31-39).
    We must take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control and a perfect place called Heaven awaits those who believe and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Therefore our current struggles are temporary.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
This means that we have all broken God’s laws and God’s 10 Commandments like those mentioned in Exodus 20:1-17. For example, if you have told a lie; if you have stolen something; if you have lusted after somebody or if you have coveted. This means you are guilty of breaking at least one or more of God’s 10 Commandments. Breaking God’s commandments makes us sinners. The fact that we are sinners who have broken God’s law means that we are accountable to God who is the Lawgiver. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death BUT the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner who has broken God’s commandments and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
Today I repent and have decided to follow you. Thank you for forgiving all my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

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5 Ways To Overcome Worry & Anxiety

Oct. 18 Emotions & Thought Life, Prayer Comments Off on 5 Ways To Overcome Worry & Anxiety

In life we all worry about many different things. We worry about how to pay our bills; we worry about what is happening in our country or economy; we worry about our loved ones; we worry about food and clothing and generally we worry about our individual life.
Whilst worry and anxiety have always been a part of our human nature since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the Bible however discourages people from worrying or from having anxious thoughts (Philippians 4:6-7).

It has been proven that worrying can affect your daily life so much that it can interfere with your sleeping patterns, your appetite, your job performance and even your interpersonal relationships.
Worrying can turn into depression and cause panic attacks. Worrying can also cause people to make harmful decisions or to look for ungodly solutions in order to find relief from their problems. For example people may think of suicide, overeating, alcohol and even drugs in order to supposedly get rid of their anxiety.
The search for peace however is not found in drugs, alcohol or even in suicide. The search for peace is found in God alone. Therefore the Bible instructs us regarding how we should overcome worry and anxiety in our life.

 

HOW TO OVERCOME WORRY & ANXIETY
Philippians 4:6-8 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 gives us instruction pertaining to what we ought to do in the face of anxiety.

 

1. We Must Learn to Pray
We must have a daily habit of communicating to God about every issue in our life. There is no issue or problem that is too big or too small for God to hear about when we pray to Him.
After all – God already knows everything and He knows us more than we know ourselves.
Philippians 4:6 says that we should not be anxious about anything – but instead we must pray about everything.
So we must come boldly to God in prayer with our worries, requests and supplications and we must trust that God will respond according to His divine will and plan for our life.
Therefore God is prepared to hear every issue that comes out of our mouth if we come to Him with a sincere heart.

 

2. We Must Always Be Thankful To God
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says we must “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
We must therefore consistently have an attitude of gratitude in our heart. Being thankful helps us to focus on the goodness of God rather than our negative circumstance.
Being thankful helps us to remember that God is able to help us and save us from the issues that trouble us.
Being thankful brings supernatural peace in our hearts and minds even in the midst of a chaotic situation.
Therefore an attitude of prayer and thankfulness brings the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.

 

3. Replace Anxious Thoughts With The Correct Thoughts
Philippians 4:8 says: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
So immediately after saying that we should not be anxious about anything but pray about everything – Paul then writes about having the correct thoughts.
In order for us to stop our anxious thoughts, we must ultimately remove them by replacing them with godly thoughts and godly meditation.
We must meditate on the word of God and on the promises of God in our life. We must remember the goodness and grace of God in our lives. We must think thoughts that always bring us back to Christ. Thinking the right thoughts will help you combat the temptation to worry or be anxious.

 

4. Trust In The Lord
Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Whenever we are anxious, we are communicating that we do not trust in God. Consistent anxiety demonstrates that we do not trust that God is in control. This is the very reason why God tells us not to worry or not to be anxious about anything.
We must therefore trust in the sovereignty of God and believe that He will direct our path.
Anxiety also demonstrates that we are relying on our own understanding of our problem or situation. However, trusting in God will reflect that we believe that God not only understands our situation – but He is able to deliver us out of it.
As Christians we are called to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Therefore the life of the Christian is a life of faith in God.

 

5. Seek First The Kingdom of God & His Righteousness
Matthew 6:33-34 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
From Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses the issue of worrying about the details of life. Jesus tells us not to worry. Instead we must set our sights on God and His righteousness. God will provide our needs as we first seek His kingdom and His righteousness.
Anxiety has a tendency of taking our focus off God and the things of God. However we must always trust that all that is in the world belongs to God. The earth and everything in it already belongs to God (Psalm 24:1).
Therefore God will supply all our needs according to His riches (Philippians 4:19). We therefore should not worry or become anxious.

 

If God Exists Why Does He Allow Evil & Suffering?

Sep. 06 Apologetics, Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on If God Exists Why Does He Allow Evil & Suffering?

Many skeptics and atheists have asked some of these questions: If God exists, why doesn’t God stop innocent people from getting senselessly shot and killed by a crazy gunman; Why would God do nothing as a young child is raped and abused; Why would God watch people die from starvation every day or why doesn’t God stop a hurricane from destroying people’s homes and lives?
In other words – if God exists, and if God is loving, then why does He allow evil and suffering?

In order to understand the issue of evil and suffering and why they exist, we need to have an understanding of the following:

1. The Nature of Mankind
Mankind is sinful or imperfect. We are capable of doing evil things to each other because of the sinful condition of our heart. We are not only capable of harming others – but our own sinful actions can bring harm to ourselves or our own lives.

In Jeremiah 17:9, God says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”

2 Timothy 3:1-4 says: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God

Therefore, Scripture is clear that mankind contributes to the evil and suffering that is in the world because the condition of our own hearts are sinful.
For example, whenever we hear that someone cheated on his wife; or that somebody is abusing others; or when we lie and deceive one another – it is important to understand that these actions and many others such as those mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, contribute to the suffering of others and to the evil that is in the world.
It is the nature of cause and effect. Our actions affect others directly or indirectly.

God has also given mankind freewill. Therefore man is not a machine – but instead man has the ability to make his own choices and decisions. This means that man has the freewill to make good choices and bad choices. God says “See, I set before you today life and good, death and evil…” (Deuteronomy 30:15-19).
Adam and Eve were given a choice in the Garden of Eden to either obey God or disobey Him. Eventually they decided to disobey God and as a result, a once perfect world became imperfect and full of evil because of the entrance of sin in the life of man and on the earth (Genesis 3:1-24).
Therefore mankind must accept responsibility and accountability for evil existing in the world. There is no human being in the world who can claim that he/she has never sinned or done anything bad.
Romans 3:10 says that “none is righteous, no, not one”.

 

2. God Can Use Evil To Fulfill His Plan & Purpose
In Genesis there is the story of a young man by the name of Joseph whose older brothers were so jealous of him that they planned to murder Joseph (Genesis 37:18). Later instead of killing Joseph, the brothers decided to throw Joseph in a pit and then they sold him as a slave to the Ishmaelites who then took him to Egypt to live as a slave (Genesis 37:26-28). In Egypt Joseph is falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife and he’s thrown into prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
These bad circumstances in Joseph’s life depict and reflect some of the most unfair and terrible things that can happen to a person in life. One could say that Joseph did not deserve the evil and injustice that happened to him at the hands of his own family and in Egypt.
However the reality is that God is able to use all situations – whether good or evil to fulfill His own plan and purposes. Joseph himself came to this realization in the midst of his sufferings.
We learn that because of his trials Joseph grew spiritually and God used Joseph’s experiences to prepare him and mold him into the type of man that God wanted him to be. Even through his circumstances, the Bible depicts that God was with Joseph.
Joseph eventually meets his brothers who once tried to kill him at a time when his brothers were in great need of assistance. Joseph says to his brothers who had once tried to kill him by saying “… You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:19-20).

Many people who have gone through bad experiences or traumatic circumstances are often some of the most equipped people to help, empathize or counsel others to overcome the same issues.

Romans 8:28 says: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

God works ALL things together for GOOD. This means that God works BOTH good and bad situations for GOOD and for His own purposes.

 

3. God is Patient to Sinners
God is so loving that He is patient even to evil people. God is so loving that He is willing to give even the wicked a chance to repent and accepted Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:9 says: The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The truth is, we are all sinners who are not deserving of Heaven. However, God is gracious, loving and patient towards us.
Therefore if it appears as if God is delaying justice; or if it appears as if God is not dealing with the problem of evil – it’s because God is also exercising patience towards those who are not born again Christians. God is still working to bring many people to repentance and to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The apostle Paul is an example of a man who did wicked things before his conversion. Paul killed many Christians until he was converted by Jesus Christ. Therefore Christ showed patience, love and grace towards Paul who had once killed Christians (Acts 9:1-19).

 

4. God Is Sovereign and In Total Control
Even though evil exists and even though there appears to be so much confusion in the world – God is fully and always in control.
There is nothing that can surprise God and there is nothing that God cannot handle.
In Isaiah 46:9-10, God says that He declares the end from the beginning and that He shall accomplish all that He plans and purposes.
With our finite minds it is difficult to understand or grasp why God allows specific evil events to occur – such as the murder of innocent people or the abuse of a child.
When we read the book of Job in the Bible – Job suffered many pains and losses – yet in the end, God does not explain to Job the reasons why He allowed Job to suffer.
All we should know and trust as finite human beings is that God is sovereign and in control. He is able to use all situations for His plans and purposes. We must also know that eventually God will indeed rid the world of all evil.

 

The Difference Between Love & Infatuation

Jul. 07 Emotions & Thought Life, Love, Marriage & Family Comments Off on The Difference Between Love & Infatuation

Have you ever been in a relationship where you thought you loved someone and you thought you were going to spend your whole life together, but only to be heartbroken?
Have you ever been in a relationship where you thought you married a perfect loving person but only to discover that your loving relationship was not as “perfect” as you think? The person you once loved has become the person you hate or desire to break-up with.

It’s amazing that one of the most misunderstood words when it comes to the subject of relationships is the word “love”.
Many people want to be loved and many people want to be in love. However, it seems as if very few people understand the true meaning of love. Furthermore, few people are able to differentiate between love and infatuation.

What is Infatuation?
Infatuation is defined as an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something.

  • Therefore infatuation doesn’t last long; it happens instantly and quickly.
  • Infatuation is driven and fueled by lust; it is all about sex pleasure and physical affections
  • Infatuation believes that your partner or the person you desire is “perfect”; it makes you believe that you are in love with a someone who can do no wrong when realistically none of us are perfect
  • Infatuation makes you feel like you know everything about your partner but yet you have known your partner for a short time and most certainly may know very little about him.
  • Infatuation is interested in self-gratification or self-satisfaction; your passions are not about what you can give or contribute to the relationship – but your passions are about what you can get from the relationship
  • Infatuation can consist of pure intense feelings and very little volitional or rational thought. Therefore decisions are made purely out of feelings and emotions rather than rational reasoning.
  • Infatuation is therefore like a roller-coaster; One minute the relationship is great and the next minute the relationship is bad and then later its great again
  • Infatuation makes one overly jealous and over protective; it desires control but also fears loss
  • Infatuation cannot be satisfied; it usually wants more and if it does not get what is wants, it will look elsewhere which results in broken relationships.

 

 

What is Love?
Love is exactly the opposite of infatuation. Love is more than just feelings and emotions – but love is also about actions and principles.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says the following about the subject of love:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

The truth is that all kinds of relationships will face tests and trials. There is no loving relationship that is immune to challenges and problems. The thing that binds relationships together is true love.
Any relationship that is bound by infatuation alone will never last.
However, love is what binds people together especially through trials and challenges in life. True love remains faithful through all situations. True love sees the flaws of others but still loves them regardless.
True love will always help to ensure that you try to do the right thing within your relationship. True love gives; it is not self-centred. It respects others and does not look for its own personal gain but it focuses on others.

Therefore understanding the difference between love and infatuation is one of the most important things in any relationship.

How to Deal with Depression

Oct. 22 Emotions & Thought Life, Prayer Comments Off on How to Deal with Depression

What is depression and how do we deal with depression? The Bible clearly tells us that we live in an imperfect, fallen world where we experience pain, hurt, fear and so many different emotions and feelings.
Jesus said that in this world we will experience problems and tribulations (John 16:33). Therefore it should not come as any surprise when we face circumstances and situations that may cause us to experience extreme sadness or some form of depression.

Depression can be defined as the following:
• feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
• a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being
• a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies

People with a depressed mood may be notably sad, anxious, or empty; they may also feel notably hopeless, helpless, dejected, or worthless. Other symptoms expressed may include senses of guilt, irritability, or anger.
Depression affects how you feel about yourself and makes life more difficult to manage from day to day.

I think everybody has experienced some type of depression in his/her life. The issue is not that we get sad or depressed but the real issue is HOW we respond to depression or to situations that may have the potential to cause us to become depressed.

In the Bible the Psalms are a good example of where the psalmists would express sadness, fear, guilt and even depression. In the Psalms, David would write and often express his anxieties and depressions during different periods of his life.
However, what you would notice is that despite his anxiety and depression, David would always express hope and confidence in God. In the midst of his depressive situation, David would direct his hope and faith that God would comfort him and deliver him from his difficult situation.

Psalms 43:5 is an example where the psalmist expresses sadness and hurt but yet expresses hope and confidence in God in the midst of depression. The verse says: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

In 1 Samuel 1, we also discover that Hannah had many depressive moments because of her problem of being barren. She couldn’t conceive and so she felt extremely sad and depressed.
However, the Bible shows us that Hannah’s solution to her situation was to direct her problem to God and pray to God for a child.
Therefore her trust and hope was in God to resolve her situation.

During times of sadness and depression, we should never continue to focus on our negative situation. We should also avoid suicidal thoughts. Instead we should be encouraged to turn to God and believe in the promises of God that he will protect and deliver us.
The Bible says “Cast your burdens on the Lord and He will sustain you” (Psalms 55:22).
Philippians 4:6 tells us that we should not worry about anything but instead we should pray to God about everything.
Therefore during a period of depression – express your feelings to God. Let God know about your hurt and pain. Don’t bottle up your feelings and pain but rather, cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

It’s important to also stay focused on God’s word and to meditate on His promises. Also give thanks and praise to God in your situation and you will find that the peace of God will rule your heart and mind.

 

If you’re going through depression and you have never had a relationship with God, it’s important that you give your life to God.
Without God in our life, we cannot be equipped to deal with many of the problems that come our way. In a world that if full of sin and problems, the only answer for every situation is Jesus Christ.
With Christ in us, we will have a relationship with God and we are equipped through Christ to deal with the challenges of life.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
I repent of all of my sins and I ask You to cleanse me Jesus.
Thank You for forgiving my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

Have you accepted & believed in Jesus Christ as a result of reading this article? If so please acknowledge by clicking the “I Have Accepted Jesus Christ” button below

How to Overcome the Fear of Dying

Aug. 31 Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on How to Overcome the Fear of Dying

When we think about fear and the various things in life that we are afraid of – there are at least 3 common reasons as to why people have anxieties and fears in their life.
1. As people we fear the things and circumstances that we can’t control
2. As people we fear the unknown and the uncertain things in our life
3. As people we fear the things and the situations that we don’t understand

Therefore when it comes to the fear of death or the fear of dying, there are many of us who have a fear of the unknown.
For many of us, death is an unpleasant thing to think about or dwell on because its unpleasantness brings with it fear and anxiety.

If ever you’ve thought about death, you might at some point have asked yourself the following questions: “What happens when I die?”; “Is there an after-life?”; “What will happen to my family and loved ones when I die?”

It’s perfectly normal and valid to ask ourselves these questions. These questions are not only normal and valid but they also need to be answered.

So, how can you be certain what happens when you die? How can you be prepared for the inevitability of death? And how can we overcome the fear of death?

 

Acceptance
We need to accept that in an imperfect and fallen world, death cannot be avoided. As people we experience conception, birth and then death.
So it’s important to accept that our physical bodies will eventually die. Everyone will die at some point in life.
The Bible says that it’s appointed for man to die once and then after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27)

 

Certainty of the After-life
One of the reasons why people fear death is because some of us are not sure if there is an after-life or where we will go when we die. Others might think that one just seizes to exist after death, but still this belief does not remove the fear of death.

Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one will go to Heaven without Him (John 14:6).
The Bible also says that He who has the Son has life and He who does not have the Son of God does not have eternal life (1 John 5:12).

Therefore you can overcome the fear of death when you know and believe that you are going to a better place – and Heaven IS a better place.
The person who goes to Heaven is the person who has trusted and believed in Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Saviour.
Also in John 14:2 Jesus says that in His Father’s house there are many mansions or many rooms and that He has prepared a place for us who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and trust that the only way to Heaven is through Him.

 

Change Your Perception of Death
Death is never a good thing. Death came about because of the sin of mankind.
However, another way of overcoming death is to change our perception of death.
Instead of seeing death as the end – if you’re a born again Christian – death is a departure from an imperfect and fallen world and the arrival into a world that is perfect and without blemish.
Therefore the Christian believer does not need to fear death because He will be with God in Heaven where everything is perfect.
The Bible says that to be absent from the body is to be with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).

 

Conclusion
Do you have the fear of death? Are you afraid of dying? Do you know what will happen to you when you die? Do you know where you will go when you die?
All the answers to these questions come only from one Person – Jesus Christ.
The only way to have eternal life and to be in Heaven when you die is through Jesus Christ and having a relationship with the living God.
Today if you’re not sure where you will go when you die, or if you’re afraid of death – Jesus Christ can give you peace and you can accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Saviour.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
I repent of all of my sins and I ask You to cleanse me Jesus.
Thank You for forgiving my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

Have you accepted & believed in Jesus Christ as a result of reading this article? If so please acknowledge by clicking the “I Have Accepted Jesus Christ” button below

The Secret to Happiness

Jul. 28 Emotions & Thought Life, Purpose Comments Off on The Secret to Happiness

Can money, wealth, fame & material possessions lead to everlasting joy and happiness? Could these things be what every person needs in order to be happy?
Ironically the majority of us seek after these things more than we seek anything else.

You might hear someone say: “if I had a lot of money – then that would make me happy”. Then when that person obtains the wealth and riches that he wanted, you discover some years later that the person got depressed and committed suicide.

You might hear another person say: “if I could just get a good job then I would be happy”. However, years after getting the job, you discover that person is not happy or satisfied with their job or career.

You might know someone who seeks just a bit more of that drug in order to get himself high because he feels that the more he takes drugs the more happy he will become. A few years later, you might discover that person has died from a drug overdose.

The truth is this – happiness isn’t found in possessions or a dependence on things.
Jesus said that our life does not consist in the abundance of things (Luke 12:15).

Neither money nor wealth nor material possessions can be deemed as evil within themselves.
However, when we observe the life of famous & wealthy people it’s easy to realize that the answer to happiness or joy does not lie in riches or fame but it lies in something much greater.
If rich & famous people fall into depression to the point of committing suicide then it means that neither their wealth nor their fame was enough to stop the depression nor prevent them from taking their own life.

If we desire to find the true secret to happiness then we need to look beyond the things that are temporary. If one’s happiness is based upon something temporary – like money – then that person’s happiness will die/end when the money runs out.

There are certain issues in one’s life – such as anxiety, depression and addiction that cannot be dealt with simply by having a lot of money or by being famous. Fame cannot deal with depression because such issues are internal issues.
Depression, anxiety, addiction and even suicidal thoughts are issues that affect the soul and spirit of a person. They affect the inward part of us.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth & rust destroy & where thieves break in & steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys & where thieves do not break in & steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be”.
In the scripture above, Jesus encourages us not to inwardly dedicate ourselves to seeking after the temporary because the temporary will ultimately be destroyed. Happiness does not lie in the temporary.
Instead Jesus urges us to seek after the eternal things in heaven where nothing can be stolen or destroyed.

In John 15:11 Jesus says “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”.
The kind of joy that Jesus gives us is the joy that remains inside of us despite the external circumstances. Therefore, it’s possible to go through challenges in your life but still have the joy of the Lord inside of you. It’s possible to go through a difficult situation but still remain confident in the Lord and have the peace of God which surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
True joy is found when we set our hearts on the eternal things in heaven and when we accept Jesus Christ as being the ultimate source of everlasting joy.
The truth is – without Jesus, we cannot have everlasting happiness.

 

 

 

13 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Suicide

May. 29 Emotions & Thought Life, Purpose Comments Off on 13 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Suicide

According to the World Health Organization close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and there are many more who attempt suicide. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally.

If you have suicidal thoughts or if you are being tempted to take your own life – It’s important to know that suicide is not the answer to solving life’s problems.
Life is a gift that comes from God and God would want us to value the life that He has given us.

 

Below are 13 reasons why you should NEVER consider suicide

1. You Are Loved
Even though you’re not perfect; even though you feel guilty; even though you feel like you’ve done bad things in your life – always know that there is someone who loves you unconditionally and that person is God your Creator.
Romans 5:8 says “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ dies for us”
Christ died for the sinners. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes and do things that we regret.
People may fail to love us; your family may fail to love you; your friends may fail to love you – but God NEVER fails and God will ALWAYS love you despite your failures or weaknesses. Therefore it’s important to know that even if you feel like people don’t love you – always remember that God loves you and you can embrace unconditional His love for you.

2. You Are Forgiven
Even if people don’t forgive you – God forgives you. Even when we think that we don’t need forgiveness – God still forgives us. When Jesus Christ was crucified and while He hung on the cross, Jesus forgave the very people who were crucifying Him as He cried “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
Sometimes you might feel such guilt and remorse for something you have done, to the extent that you might feel that suicide is the only option or escape.
If you have done something wrong and you feel guilt, remorse and anguish over your situation – you can receive the forgiveness of God for whatever you have done.
1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
God will forgive whatever wrong thing that you have done. Whatever wrong you have done – Christ paid for it on the cross so that you may be cleansed of all unrighteousness.

3. God Can Carry Your Burdens
You might be carrying a lot of pain; you might be carrying a lot of hurt; you might be carrying a lot of heartache & depression. However, God wants you to cast all your burdens and all your pain onto Him.
1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you”.
Our bodies were not built for worry and depression. This is why depression or anxiety can lead to psychosomatic problems and sicknesses where one gets high blood pressure, heart attacks and the like. We were not designed to carry burdens.
However, God can carry our pain and burdens. All we have to do – is let go of the worry and anxiety and through trusting and praying, we give our issues to God and believe that He will take care of our issues.

4. God Can Give You Peace
Philippians 4:6-7 says “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.
Whenever you are going through a problem in your life – it’s important to pray about it. When you have suicidal thoughts it’s important to pray about your thoughts and worries so that God may give you peace. In life we need somewhere to offload our problems and Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to talk to God about EVERYTHING and to NOT be anxious about ANYTHING.
Therefore as you give your issues to God & let go of the circumstances that you cannot control – then eventually the peace of God will come.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

5. God Has A Purpose for Your Life
In Jeremiah 29:11-12 God says “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord “Plans for peace and not for evil to give you a future and a hope”.
God’s thoughts towards His people are that of peace and not of evil. God’s thoughts towards you is to give you a future and a hope.
When one considers suicide it is a sign that one no longer thinks that he/she has a future and a hope.
However, God offers you hope and He has a future for you. Suicide simply aborts the plans that God has laid for your life

6. God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You
Even if people forsake you or even if you feel lonely. Know that you’re not alone because God will never leave you nor forsake you. God is with you through both the good and the bad situations in your life.

7. God Will Give You Strength to Overcome & Persevere
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
The thought of suicide is a reflection that one believes that the problem is too much and too hard to be resolved or handled. However, God says that emotionally, spiritually and even practically there is a way of escape for every trial and temptation that we face.
Suicide is NOT a method of escape from one’s problems because it violates God’s principles about life. If God allows trials and temptations in your life, it is only so that you may grow and mature but it is never with the intention for you to take your own life.
Therefore whenever you go through a tough situation and you’re perhaps bombarded with suicidal thoughts – pray to God and allow Him to strengthen you to persevere and overcome.

8. God Can Deliver You
Don’t hold onto the pain. Don’t hold onto the depression, but let God deliver you. Allow God to set you free from suicidal thoughts and suicidal temptations.
In Jeremiah 32:27 God says “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for Me?”.
There is nothing that is too hard for God to handle in your life.

9. God Can Give You Hope
Sometimes you can feel as if you have no hope. Sometimes you can feel as if there is no way out. However with God there is always hope and with Him there is always a way out.
Psalms 43:5 – Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
When a person attempts or commits suicide, it is a sign that hope has been lost. However, keep hoping in God even when the situation you’re in seems bleak. Keep hoping.

10. God Can Give You Patience & Perseverance
James 1:2-4 says : My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
God uses every trial and temptation to build our character and to make us stronger if we persevere and succeed in overcoming.
According to James 1:2-4 our attitude of in the face of trials should be one of joy because the testing of our faith will build our character.

11. God Can Give You Wisdom
If you lack wisdom to overcome your situation the Bible says that we should ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 says: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Suicide is NEVER a wise choice. Suicide should never be considered as an appropriate choice to escape issues. Rather, when we have issues and problems, we need to ask God to give us the wisdom to overcome our problems.

12. God Can Comfort You So That You Eventually Comfort Others
If you’re considering suicide, do not take your own life but instead find comfort in God. Let God give you the assurance, the security and the comfort that you need in your situation.
Eventually when you are comforted by God – you will one day counsel and comfort those who have been going through the same situation.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

13. God Can Give You Jesus
Ultimately, without Jesus, we do not have eternal life. Jesus came that we may have life and have life more abundantly (John 10:10).
Jesus says that He is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). Therefore without Jesus we cannot have eternal life.
The Bible says that without Christ in our life we will perish eternally (John 3:16). However if we believe in Christ, we will be destined for eternity with God.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN or A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST???

1. ACKNOWLEDGE: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you therefore need Jesus in your life.

2. REPENT: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
Repenting means: to change your mind; a sincere turning away, in heart, mind and action;
Therefore God wants you to repent of sinful values and of sinful living. God wants you to decide to
follow Him and to make Jesus the Lord of your life.

3. CONFESSION: “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)
God is a forgiving God. God will forgive any sin that you have done because Jesus died for ALL your sins and to set you free from the bondage of all types of sin in your life.

4. BELIEVE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
You must believe that ONLY Jesus can save you and restore your relationship with God. You must believe that Jesus is the ONLY way by which you can have everlasting life and escape from eternal separation from God. You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for you and resurrected from the grave.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive him, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12)
By faith, You must receive Jesus as Your Lord & Savior and therefore; you become a child of God; you become born again; you become a Christian; you restore your broken relationship with God.

 

Why Not Make Your Eternal Decision NOW?

We become born again Christians by GRACE through FAITH or TOTAL TRUST in Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior (Galatians 3:26) & (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is a FREE gift received through FAITH in Christ.

PLEASE NOTE: You can choose to pray in your own words. This prayer is a sample prayer and it is only an EXPRESSION of your faith, belief & trust in Jesus. Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH or BELIEVING in Christ Jesus as your Lord & Saviour.

“Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your love. I thank You that You died on the cross for me and resurrected so that I may have life through You.
I confess Lord that I have sinned against You and today I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins, past present and future.
I repent of all of my sins and I ask You to cleanse me Jesus.
Thank You for forgiving my sins.
From this moment, come into my life Lord Jesus & take full control of my life. I want to follow You Jesus and I want to follow Your ways. Save me and from today, make me the person You want me to be.
I receive You Lord Jesus right now by faith. I trust You as my Lord and Savior – Amen”

Have you accepted & believed in Jesus Christ as a result of reading this article? If so please acknowledge by clicking the “I Have Accepted Jesus Christ” button below

How Do You Deal With Impure Thoughts?

Mar. 07 Emotions & Thought Life Comments Off on How Do You Deal With Impure Thoughts?

How does a person deal with the impure and intrusive thoughts that enter or bombard one’s mind?
This is a problem that many people have and sometimes it may seem almost impossible to control one’s thinking.
Our thought-life is a very important part of our life. Our thoughts can reveal who we are; our thoughts can change our destiny; our thoughts shape our life and it’s important that our thoughts be subjected to God’s word and God’s will.
Some people struggle with lustful thoughts; others with anxiety & depression; whilst others struggle with low self-esteem or suicidal thoughts.
So the question is – how do we deal with impure thoughts?

A TEMPLATE FOR WHAT WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.

What we learn from Philippians 4:8 is that God wants our thoughts to be focused on the right issues. In this particular verse God gives us a template of the kind of things that we should be thinking and focusing on. We should focus on what’s true; lovely; praiseworthy; virtuous; of good report and the things that are pure.
Therefore as we think on these kind of issues according to Philippians 4:8 – we will then begin to gradually develop a healthy and sound mind.

 

CAPTURE EVERY THOUGHT

2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

It’s been said that “you can’t stop a bird from landing on your head but you can stop it from building a nest on your head”.
What this means it that there are times in our thought-life when the devil will project certain impure thoughts into your mind with the intention of tempting you. Therefore nobody is immune to temptation. Even Jesus Christ was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11).
Even though we are not immune to temptation this does not mean that we should allow ourselves to indulge into our temptations. The Bible tells us to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”.
We practically bring every thought captive to Christ by measuring & filtering all our thoughts & temptations against the word of God.
When Jesus was tempted, He captured every thought and idea that the devil presented to Him by filtering it through the Scriptures. Just like Jesus, we can defeat every impure thought and temptation by confessing and obeying the Scriptures against that impure thought.

 

MEDITATE & OBEY THE WORD OF GOD
Therefore if you’re struggling with your thought-life, you could try the following
1. You need to cultivate a habit of meditating on the word of God. (Psalms 1:1-3)
2. You need to also cultivate a habit of capturing every thought and filtering it against the word of God. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
3. It’s important to be obedient or a doer of the word of God. (James 1:23-25)
4. Focus on Jesus Christ and to fix our eyes on Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
5. Yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit who is able to help us overcome the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16)

 

 

Why Should I Forgive Others?

Dec. 09 Emotions & Thought Life, Relationship with Others Comments Off on Why Should I Forgive Others?

We have all been hurt or offended by somebody in our lives. You may have been in situations where people have deliberately done or spoken bad things against you. You were right and he/she was wrong. You didn’t deserve to be offended or hurt by that person; But the question is, when somebody offends us, what should we do? How should you feel towards the person who has offended you? What would Jesus do if He were in YOUR position? What does Jesus SAY you should do?

Mark 11:25-26 NKJV
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Unforgiveness is defined as: a grudge against someone who has offended you; not having the compassion to forgive; a resentful attitude that spews out all types of evil
Unforgiveness according to Jesus is a sin. No matter how we have been hurt or offended by somebody, it is a CHOICE whether to FORGIVE or to NOT FORGIVE.
Jesus prefers and teaches that you should CHOOSE to FORGIVE anyone who has offended or hurt you in any form.

Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

How often should you forgive an offence against you?
Jesus teaches that there should be no limit to your ability to forgive your offenders. It’s hard I know. It’s not easy. But Jesus being crucified on the cross for our sins was not easy too. Whilst hanging in terrible pain on the cross, Jesus prayed for us to the Father in Heaven: “Father, FORGIVE THEM, for they do not know what they do” – Luke 23:34 NKJV

When you understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for YOU individually; and when you understand that even though YOU too are not perfect, Jesus was crucified for YOU and your sins, then why would you not want to forgive somebody else whom Jesus also died on the cross for?

1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV
… (LOVE) is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Indeed it is a hurtful thing when we are offended, however God does not expect us to remain hurt & unforgiving towards others. He expects us to move past the hurt by allowing the love and peace of God to rule our hearts & minds.

Luke 11:2-4 NLT
Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: … as we forgive those who sin against us.”

To Forgive means to: Stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.; To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon

Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. Therefore, we all need forgiveness. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Jesus therefore taught that as we pray to the Father, we must talk to God about those who have offended us.
Is it okay to tell God all the pain that you feel concerning those who have hurt you? Yes it’s okay!
Is it okay to pray to the Lord about our offenders? Yes it’s okay! However as we pray to God about our offenders, we must not be hateful towards them, but rather Jesus guides us as to how we should pray pertaining to those who sin against us. Jesus says that as we pray, we must ultimately forgive our offenders; we must tell God that we forgive those who have hurt us and we must make the decision to forgive.

Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
“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.”

If we expect God to forgive us, then we too must also forgive those who hurt or offend us. When we forgive others we are actually freeing ourselves from the bondage of hate, resentment and anger. Whenever we operate in hate, resentment and anger we give the devil a foothold and we are not able to behave and respond according to God’s will and character.
The devil’s deception is that if we do not forgive those who offend us, we are perhaps hurting the offender by choosing not to forgive them. The truth is, in God’s eyes, we are hurting ourselves more than we hurt the offender if we do not forgive.
When we do not forgive others, neither will God forgive us.

Matthew 7:12 NKJV
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Because we all make mistakes, and we all at some point in life will offend or hurt somebody else’s feelings, we then must be able to forgive others if we also expect to be forgiven by other people when we make a mistake.
Why should i forgive others? God forgave you. Forgiveness heals you. Forgiveness is an expression of the love of God in your life.
TODAY, if you have anyone whom you have not forgiven – make a CHOICE to forgive them NOW.