GUARD YOUR HEART
Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV)
“Watch out for unforgiveness as if it were a rattlesnake!” – Mark Hankins
Jesus said, “When you stand praying, forgive.” (Mark 11:25-26) This means while you are standing in prayer, you can quickly make an adjustment in your heart. People often let things eat at them for years and years, but you can make a decision to forgive right now. Forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a choice. You may still have feelings of hurt, but the decision has been made! You can forgive by faith.
Faith is of the heart; therefore unforgiveness is a disease of the heart. That spirit will get inside of you and make your heart callused so your faith won’t respond or work properly. Then you will get cynical, and you won’t be able to receive from God.
Unforgiveness – offense and bitterness – is the primary thing you have to guard against. You must watch out for unforgiveness just as if it were a rattlesnake. When you see it come around, avoid it!
Confession: I stand watchful and ready to quickly forgive. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5)
Thank you for these reminders. They were sorely needed. Hah a dream that someone was looking at me like I was wierd. I asked the Lord, in my dream, why is he looking at me like that?! The Lord said yo, ” you have a harelip.”. I looked in a mirror but I could not see it. Then you preached on the Potter’s wheel, Jer. 18. Then at church, same sermon. Then you said when God changes your life He does it mouth first. Now offence and unforgiveness. So, I told the Lord I need to do it by faith and here is confirmation again. God richly bless you for the teaching and encouragement.