NOTE: If you ever talk to someone involved in Deliverance ministry they will tell you that the most common cause of severe “demonic” problems in a person’s life is “UNFORGIVENESS”. Clinging on to bitterness or grudges is virtually the single most dangerous spiritual thing that a person can do. It can even cause physical sickness. And yet it is so common – even in the church! Below is a great article on this topic by Rodney Francis:
UNFORGIVENESS – A CAUSE of MAJOR BONDAGE
-by Rodney W. Francis
It has been said that the major cause of hindrances and bondages in the lives of Christians is that of unforgiveness. Every one of us will have experienced things in our lives, disagreements, criticisms, accusations (both true and false) against us. We cannot avoid these things happening. Even Jesus said that it was “impossible but that offenses would come” (Luke 17:1). Offenses are “stumbling blocks” which come against us ~ things said and done to us to put us down, or to try and subject us to someone else’s will, etc. So, no matter how well we handle relationships, etc., we will all face negative things being thrown at us. Some will “attack” us if for no other reason but that they are jealous of us.
For the Christian we must accept that these things will happen in our lives.
· The big issue is how we deal with them!
It is very important to realize that once the offense has taken place, that we cannot change that. What we can change is our response to it, and how we allow it to affect us. The sooner we can take these matters to the Lord and leave them with Him ~ and at the same time practice forgiveness toward those who have offended us ~ the sooner we will be able to get on with our lives and continue to be fruitful in His service. But if we allow those criticisms to get into our emotions and cause us to re-act negatively and to start “bad mouthing” that person who has offended (and hurt) us, then it will quickly get into our spirit and lodge there. Once that happens, then we become the loser in the situation ~ even if the accusations are wrong! It is so important that we learn to keep short accounts with God and with people; otherwise we will start on a downward slippery slope that can cause us to finish up being hurt, angry, resentful, “bitter and twisted”, carrying a wounded spirit in the process. None of us can afford to let that happen. Yet, in my travels in numbers of countries, I am finding wounded Christians that have to be set free…
It is sad, but true, that many who have a prophetic calling in God have been “put down” or prevented from functioning. This has caused many to be “shut down,” be hurt and to go inwards, which does not allow them to pursue and fulfill their calling. Tragically, many Christian Leaders have been guilty of clamping down on those who are trying to exercise their Spiritual Gifts. Regardless of who caused the offense we all need to practice forgiveness. Let me emphasize strongly to you: carrying unforgiveness in your heart is not worth it! There is nothing good or justifiable in our carrying unforgiveness. If you have any unforgiveness in your heart and life right now, let me encourage you to make it a top priority to deal with it, and to get rid of it. Take it to JESUS ~ give it to Him, as He is the only One who can take it away from us. It is He that we are called to please; and our carrying unforgiveness does not please Him at all. In fact unforgiveness stops God from forgiving us of our many offenses against Him (Matthew 6:14-15)! Right now, come before the Lord Jesus and give it all to Him.
Source: http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/unforgiveness-a-cause-of-major-bondage/
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