Quote from Forum Archives on November 3, 2003, 8:57 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

A friend sent me this message from Oz Hillman about the grace of
God, and how grace is an effective weapon against allowing
bitterness to take root in our lives. If you have any bitter
experiences in your life, consider this message and apply the
truth found in it. I've had to do this many times in my life.
It's not easy and it's not automatic, but by God's grace, it's
possible.

I pray for a healthy dose of God's amazing grace in each of our
lives today.

Yours in Christ,
Brian

By Oz Hillman

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter
root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. -- Hebrews
12:15

The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy
relationships. Whether these relationships are in business,
marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict
arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens
next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a
foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.

When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it
not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who
are involved. It is like a cancer.

Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press
into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels"
like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of
us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural
response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It
is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs
incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims
who will seek compensation for their pain.

The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of
the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of
bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a
root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.

=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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