Acts 8:23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.
In Acts chapter 8, we read that persecution arose against the church and many of the disciples were scattered along the regions of Judea and Samaria.
Phillip was one of those disciples that went to Samaria, preaching the word of the Lord. Simon was a sorcerer in this city, and upon seeing the miracles wrought by the hand of Phillip, Simon became a believer.
Simon believed Phillip and his preaching concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. The word said Simon was baptized and continued with Phillip.
Later, Peter and John arrived in the city, laid hands on the people and they received the Holy Ghost. It was here that Simon offered the Apostles money because he wanted to flow in the same power as they did.
Peter, filled with the spirit was able to discern what was in Simons heart; that it was not right before God, and he was filled with iniquity and bound by bitterness.
When there is bitterness in our heart, it can lead to blockages in our spiritual and personal life. Our judgment becomes clouded over, and we find ourselves in bondage.
Recently I found myself struggling to forgive, and I really did not want to. It was then the Lord said, “How many times have I forgiven you?” I knew that I could no longer delay and began the forgiveness process.
Forgiveness is a gift from the Lord. It cannot be purchased. When we have unforgiveness, many things can happen to us.
- Gifts become blocked
- Prayers become blocked
- Our health can suffer
- Our relationship with the Lord becomes clouded over
- Our heart is not right in the eyes of God
Simon wanted to purchase the gifts the Apostles flowed in with money. As we know, the gifts of the spirit is only purchased with one type of currency, faith.
If we have a broken heart, the word says in Psalm 27:17 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD.
Are you struggling with a broken heart or unforgiveness? By faith, give it over to the Lord and let Him strengthen you. By faith let Him remove the pain, and in doing so the blockages will be removed and you will soar as on wings of eagles.
May you be abundantly blessed.
I had a hard time forgiving my parents for the abuse I received as a child – but it wasn’t until I forgave that I could begin to be healed. I learned that forgiveness is not absolution – they will still have to answer to God for what they did, but I cut the ball and chain that bound me to them by forgiving them. Forgiveness is selfish, and it is the only way to dig out those roots of bitterness. This week I was given some new information about my past, and I was able to praise God for the information did not throw me into a depression, and did not raise anger. I realized I had forgiven them, and the new information was just that, new information that adds light to the unknown, but does not crush me. Praying God abundantly blesses yoU!
Thank you for sharing your story Heather.
It is truly that forgiving other we do cut the ball and chain just as you say.
Blessings to you, and may the Lord continue to bless you from glory to glory.