AUTHORITY CAN BE LIBERATING

 

 

I’m talking about the authority of the Scriptures. Let me explain. If you are like me, you struggle with many painful thoughts and feelings. We obsess on failures, criticisms, and rejections and become embittered.

 

When I obsess on hurts and resentment, for relief, I am driven to the verses which focus on love and forgiveness and clothe myself with them, like:

 

·       Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (Romans 12:14)

 

The authority of the Scriptures warns me that I must love and forgive. But how? I am then coerced to think about ways to bless those who have offended me. Surprisingly, start to be come excited about the possibilities. Immediately, Paul’s counsel comes alive for me:

 

·       Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

 

However, I had to first to forgive and to commit myself to love, according to the Word of God. Even my poisonous thoughts and feelings had played a vital role by driving me to the Scriptures where I found liberation.