It is in the shadows of the past where the enemy is found lurking, for within these dark caverns of the soul he has been given permission to dwell, though most are unaware that they are harboring any form of evil at all. So while it was a lie that allowed him to take up internal residency, it is only a confrontation with the Truth that shall evict him, as the enemy\’s power was broken when Christ laid down His life upon the Cross to be sacrificed.
And yet the enemy’s eviction is not automatic. For while eternal freedom is established upon the moment of salvation, he will not voluntarily concede the territory he was given, and so a ‘demand of expulsion’ must be issued in order to see him leave. However, because the Church has been saturated with teaching derived from shallow thinking that originated from incorrect exegesis of Scripture, very few believers even consider the ongoing battle in the unseen realm, or for that matter, its personal effects upon their lives. For that reason, many of My elect are still held captive in some form or another by the forces of darkness.
Then it’s no wonder that My ranks are lined with rows of walking wounded, with injuries inflicted from the past that have yet to be mended. It is here in those memories filled with pain that the enemy still has his hook, for an unwillingness to forgive allows him to remain. And since spiritual impotency has filled the Church, very few are standing in Christ’s power and authority, having yet to be delivered from their emotional scars.
So then it should be noted that anywhere a grudge is found, or an offense exists, it is there that the enemy is present, reinforcing his lies of victimhood and entitlement. Which is the reason, that in the midst of My army dwell soldiers still tormented with thoughts from their former life. Nonetheless, no one who is called to fight in My campaign has the right to justify unforgiveness.
And so it is, that every insult and injury must be released, as these serve as emotional blockades preventing a believer from walking in the fullness of resurrection life. For surely any offense held onto, acts as an impediment that stifles the flow of My Spirit within. However, it is not enough to simply forgive the injustices suffered at the hand of another, as all bitterness, resentment, or hostility must be purged through the cleansing act of repentance. It is this step of contrition that will sever any contract made with the enemy, rendering his shackles as nothing but useless props.
Hear Me, then, dear ones: if any of you are holding any form of grudge, or carry scars that have not found healing, no longer allow these internal wounds to fester. Instead, lay your heart bare before Me. For in this posture of surrender, the enemy’s lies will easily be exposed. Do not say to yourself, “I am fine!”, all the while keeping alive a grievance. Why give the devil even a toehold in your life? Repent, I say, and seek My forgiveness, as none who hails from My Kingdom has the right to stand with unforgiveness towards anyone, regardless of the amount of pain they have caused.
Release these offenders now from any debt you feel you are owed so that your past no longer has you bound.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” -Ephesians 4:31-32