The enemy of our soul loves to attack our minds, putting untrue thoughts in our heads.

He whispers lies and half-truths in our ears. He knows our weaknesses and where to poke and prod. He is the father of lies and the master deceiver. There are times we listen to his whispering as he twists the truth to fit his goal of separating us from other Christians. We are vulnerable when we are wounded. Satan wants us to retreat and not stand on God’s truth.

We have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth abiding within our spirits to hone our thinking. The Holy Spirit brings Scripture to our minds that expose the enemy’s lies. Paul advises us to permit the Holy Spirit to renew us, “Instead let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” (Ephesians 4:23 NLT). If we are not vigilante, the enemy will take simple things to bring about a misunderstanding. His goal is to draw us away from our brothers and sisters in Christ. If he can get us to buy into his lies, he can convince us that what we are hearing or seeing is truth.

This happened when I was accused of being part of a hurtful conversation. Not knowing what was said, the accuser jumped to conclusions, giving the enemy an opportunity to cause division among believers. The offended party steadily focused on the offense, nurturing it instead of seeking the truth.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

~Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

When we are wrongly accused, the Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us to forgive, as our Heavenly Father forgives us.  Forgiveness sets us free and defeats the enemy. He loses the ground he is trying to occupy in our hearts. We may not receive forgiveness from the disgruntled person in return, but we will be free to intercede for them.

Friend, is there someone you need to forgive so that you will be free to live the life God has planned for you? Do it now!

Share a time when you’ve chosen forgiveness over division.

Father God, thank You for being faithful to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. All I need to do is come to You and ask.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Forgive: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved