Have you ever been bullied by a person who claims to be a Christian?
They are initially perceived as kind, but over time and often behind closed doors, a monster emerges. Either you had or currently have a close relationship with this person through work, family or personal connection. They distort God’s Word to impose a reckless power and ultimately, try to control you. After being in their presence, you feel completely drained and disconnected from the awesome love of Christ.
Maybe you can relate to one of these situations:
Your mistakes and flaws are constantly pointed out. Since they have spent a considerable amount of time with you, they know you more intimately than others. They act as if they are an appointed representative sent by God to judge you…scrutinize you…admonish you…over and over again. Their vitriol never lets up. However, no provision is made on their behalf to actually help you grow. They consistently put you down to lift themselves up. Their jealousy, bitterness and hypocrisy manifests over time and your “bad” behavior is always to blame. They desire to keep you under their false power through condemnation, pressure and shame.
This is not the wisdom that comes down from above.
Instead, it is from the earth, natural and demonic.
Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition,
there is disorder and everything that is evil.
– James 3:14-16 (Common English Bible)
You are isolated from those who truly love and care for you, especially your Heavenly Father. Their mission is to gain power over your emotions and cause you to feel utterly alone. They demand to be your only source of validation. This is done through gaslighting, exploitation and an assortment of words to destroy your self-confidence and self-worth. Their counsel sounds like “enlightenment”, nonetheless, they impose a legalistic standard on you that can never be fulfilled and to which they themselves do not adhere. They are inconsiderate of your dreams and use your talents for their selfish gain. You begin to question your purpose and feel hopeless. You avoid fellowship with those you once considered family. You desperately search for yourself while entangled in their web of manipulation, lies and deception to no avail.
Regardless of the abuse tactic, there is good news:
You can upgrade your life today. You will never need anyone’s permission to improve your own wellbeing. Just because they may disapprove or speak something negative over you, it does not mean you have to receive or believe it. You are no longer subject to the abusive power or harassment of fake Christians. No longer allow them direct access to your ears for any extended period of time. If you must interact with them on a regular basis, guard your heart from their wicked words. Replace their words with the promises found in Scriptures. There is power for the brokenhearted. Find refuge in the Word and discover the power of God within you!
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you. – Luke 10:19
Peace, health and happiness belong to you. You are a beloved child of God! He desires the very best for you. Renew your personal relationship and spend time with Him through prayer. Give yourself a daily dose of grace and power to fuel your life-changing, transformation process. Remember, God will supply a way out of any situation that you will be able to endure. This process will strengthen you, fill you with compassion and prepare you for good success. It is never too late to start a new journey with your Heavenly Father!
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
of them that make peace. – James 3:17-18
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious are emotions many of us battle to subdue. Sometimes, they can be fueled by something extremely new or different to our normal routine. The good news is that you can grow and flow with opportunities while remaining unshakeable at your core. Four years ago, I posted about the challenge of what to do with yourself and emotions while God is at work. Please allow me to share again how you can enjoy peace and remain calm while He is in control of the situation…
Do you enjoy getting good gifts? You know – the kind of gifts that make you feel special, loved and appreciated? I certainly do! You may not realize this, but God has good gifts waiting for you to receive and experience their joy each day!
AKILAH GRANT 