SPIRITUAL AND PERSONAL POISON 4!

Ephesians 4:31-32 AMPC

Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). [32] And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

 

We have established that poison is not good for anyone. We don’t deliberately and intentionally consume toxic substances just because we can. Then, why would we exhibit characters and behaviours that are unscriptural and don’t glorify the Father? 

We should be alert to spiritual and personal poisons according to 1 Peter 5:8. 

Some poisons are fast-acting; they do instant damage whether we know they are in us or not, while others slowly eat away at us and may eventually destroy us. Self-evaluation is important in all walks of life, especially spiritual evaluation as instructed in Haggai 1:5. Yes, it’s highly encouraged to take time out to consider our ways: character, attitude, behaviour, and beliefs, to make sure we've not strayed from the path of godliness. 

Slothfulness, according to Proverbs 19:15, is a killer—a killer of dreams, visions, and passion. It is referred to as "the state of deep sleep," which shows how utterly indifferent we can become when we’re slothful. Let Proverbs 6:6 be our slogan: have a go-getter mentality and not a no-goer’s mentality. 

We might all express and exhibit greed at some point in life, even when we shouldn’t, according to Exodus 20:17. Or, we may end up like Rehoboam, who lost everything out of selfish demand and motivated greed and desire for power in 1 Chronicles 10:1-19. The fabric of society is systematically being dismantled because of the poison of greed—the desire to grasp after things for "self," see Proverbs 21:25-26. 

Unforgiveness is a poison we consciously consume because we haven't learned to allow Christ’s right to take over our right. To this end, many people have destroyed their health and life because they insist on overdosing on the pills of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. A glance at Matthew 18:23-35 shows us that unforgiveness is a dual carriageway; you hold yourself bound in whatever prison you lock others in because of malice and unforgiveness. 

There is a Peter in us all needing to know if we must, and how often we must forgive others. Notice that Jesus didn’t even address the issue of "if," but rather the conclusion from the Lord is 70×70 times—that is 4,900 times. Divided by 365 days, that is 13.5 times a day. We can’t possibly offend someone that many times in a day, could we? It just means there shouldn’t be a limit to how many times we forgive others. According to Colossians 3:13, we must bear with others and be quick to let go of hurt, resentment, and malice. 

Is your anger doing you or anyone else any good? Is it solving the problems? Is it changing the person you are angry with? Is your anger increasing your joy and peace? No! 

Forgiveness is not an easy process. It can often involve struggle and resistance, and exposes the heart attitude of both the forgiver and the forgiven. But once the door to forgiveness is opened, the results are remarkable. 

The only answer to anger is forgiveness! It begins with our decision to not only obey God but to do ourselves a favour and forgive. 

These poisons are so easy to consume yet so difficult to overcome, but the Lord can still help us overcome all and heal us of every hurt caused by them. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- What spiritual or personal poisons am I currently struggling with that may be harming my relationship with God and others? 

- How often do I take time to evaluate my character, attitude, and behaviour to ensure I am on the path of godliness? 

- In what practical ways can I develop a “go-getter” mentality and overcome slothfulness in my daily walk with God? 

- Am I willing to forgive others without limits, following the example Christ gave, and how can this transform my life and relationships? 

PRAYER: Father God, I come before You asking for Your help to identify and overcome the spiritual and personal poisons in my life. Teach me to be alert and vigilant, to examine my heart regularly, and to walk in godliness. Help me to have a forgiving heart that reflects Your love and grace as you heal my wounds and set me free to live a life in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/womenoflight/episodes/SPIRITUAL-AND-PERSONAL-POISON-4-e36ikek

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