Gregor, Be thankful that God has given you understanding. I hope and pray your friend does wake up. There are countless situations like you mentioned in the Body of Christ and it not only discredits an individual's testimony, but it also causes many non-believers to use it as an excuse not to come to Christ.
I had a friend whose wife cheated on him years ago. To make matters worse, his church misunderstood the situation. A dozen or so years later, after 2 more wives followed by divorce and separation, he walks through the desert-all because of a spirit of unforgiveness. The last I knew, he was seeing a psychiatrist, on medication etc. etc.
Dave Wilkerson said that when someone willfully remains in sin (refusing to forgive is one) his discernment is the first thing that goes. How true!
This is a financial thread. There are those reading this, wondering why their lives are so messed up, financially and/or otherwise. All they need to do is confess, forsake and let God lead them to the abundant life.
I don't mean to lecture, but these are important issues that are being brought up. We will all die, but some are dying before their time simply because they hold on to their rebellion. Unforgiveness is a form of rebellion. In essence, one is saying that the individual at fault isn't worthy to be forgiven. That maybe true, but God STILL forgives us. He still lets the sun shine on the unrepentant. If we don't forgive, then we are out of God's will and are open territory for the enemies missiles.
The worst thing that can happen is to not feel the presence of the Lord in our lives. I've been there and I'm sure you have also. May the Lord grant your friend the realization that in order to regain His peace, he must repent of his hatred towards his brother. God bless. |
