forgiveness

Questions & Answers

1. I have an overwhelming problem with jealousy. It is so ugly, and it is practically killing me. Can you help me conquer this?
2. The Bible says that jealously is as cruel as the grave (Song of Solomon 8:6). Jealousy motivates revenge and can cause you many problems unless you repent. The only way you can overcome jealousy is to go to God and ask Him to help you with your problem. God guarantees in His Word that if we resist the devil he will have to flee (James 4:7). As you feel this spirit of jealousy trying to overtake you, speak out loud, “Jealousy, I resist you in Jesus’ name.” Remember the root of jealousy is fear, and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
3. I have heard you say we are not to take up another’s offense. Is there a scripture reference to support this statement?
4. Proverbs 26:17 gives us advice about keeping out of someone else’s quarrel. In the Amplified Bible it reads, “He who, passing by, stops to meddle with strife that is not his business is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”
5. Is it ever proper to judge someone?
6. I encourage everyone in the Body of Christ to look at others as having the potential of Jesus inside. There is no proper or improper time to judge another. The Bible tells us that such behavior will get us into a world of trouble. The consequences of judging are found in Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2:1; and Galatians 6:7,8.

God will help us love others in the Church, and through that love we won’t have to judge or evaluate them. After all, we are God’s servants and it is God alone who is able to make us stand (see Romans 14:4). Each of us is to evaluate and judge ourselves—then we will not need to judge one another.

1. I have a real hard time forgiving myself when I’ve offended someone or done something stupid. What should I do?

Peter, Paul, David, Abraham, and Isaac all sinned. The key to their success and greatness was that they received forgiveness and cleansing from their sin and went on with God. Realize that you are not perfect but you do have the perfect One living inside of you. Whenever you feel you’ve blown it, repent to God and to anyone else who may be involved. Then forgive yourself and thank God that you are in Christ and no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1, 2). His Word is true and He forgives every repentant sinner according to 1 John 1:9.

1. I have been deeply hurt by people telling lies about me. How do I handle this kind of gossip?
2. First of all, you must guard your own heart according to Proverbs 4:23. I was once deeply offended by another Christian. I felt he was being very unjust toward me, and my first reaction was to tell him off; but the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart to do good to those who hate me (Matthew 5:44). I made a decision to act on the Word, to pray for the person who offended me, and to do good for him if the opportunity arose.

Likewise, it is important for you to forgive the people who are gossiping about you and to make sure that your relationship with the Lord continues to be good. As you walk in holiness and righteousness before Him, God will make your enemies to be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7). If you sow bitterness, you will reap bitter results; but God will richly bless you if you flow in His forgiveness and grace toward these people.