Many people believe that forgiveness is just something to do in passing; yet God’s Word gives us so much more. Understanding forgiveness as a type of deliverance will help you grow in Christ and live in the fullness of what He has for you. If you are wanting to expand your territory for the Lord, live in increase; be free from internal clutter there is no better way than to be delivered than by forgiving. Unforgiveness is plaguing our society and yet people recognize it not. It’s symptoms of bitterness, hatred, resentment; and turn away from the Lord are just some of the almost 40 symptoms keeping people in bondage.
I share some of my personal testimony of the years of abuse I endured and how the Lord healed and restored me and I pray in Jesus name that it helps someone else who has ever been abused; whether sexual, satanic ritual, physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological. God’s Word reigns supreme regardless of what you have gone through. While forgiving certainly was not easy; it did prove that forgiveness is a type of deliverance and because His word never returns void there is a testimony that gives Him all the glory.

When people have been abused by religion, their pastors; or their church there are many lessons to learn. Spiritual abuse requires forgiveness on numerous levels. Many don’t see it; and most don’t know it’s occurred to them.
Every single person who has victory over spiritual abuse has a testimony. Those testimonies are nothing to be ashamed of but rather celebrated because there is victory in all things. It’s a matter of perspective and your victory may be just what the person on the subway next to you is needing to hear about. The lessons are many and I begin with a few simple ones:
1. Forgive. Forgive the spiritual abuser and forgive yourself. Both are lessons that are needed to be learned and master so not to be repeated.
2. Know the Word. Your pastor may say this or that; but so what? If what that pastor is not lining up with the Word of God and you follow it; you are in trouble and in more ways than you think. Your life is your responsibility. Knowing the Word helps you spot counterfeits or the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
3. Stand up for Yourself. Don’t allow someone to control you in any way; especially with the misuse of scripture. If you are not sure what the intentions are; ask. Then pay attention to the answer spoken and ‘not’ spoken. The answer is always there it’s a matter of paying attention to it.
By walking in wisdom you will far better than being ignorant following someone who may or may not have a clue, your best interest; or a personal hidden agenda. You, my dear reader, are the only one responsible for your actions and life so don’t be swayed by the ideas and thoughts of others if they are not lining up with the Word. You certainly will be glad you did!
Next up: Forgiveness in Spiritual Abuse: The Signs of Spiritual Abuse