Many of us are hurting or otherwise struggling with the negative impact of past events. Some of these events may have occurred in our early childhood years. However, the pain, whether conscious or not, is just as potent as if the incident happened only yesterday.

The enemy, that accuser of the brethren, uses these unresolved issues to torment us. It does not matter to him if the wounds were self-inflicted or if they were the result of the sins of others. As a consequence, maladies such as low self-esteem, fear, hatred of self and others, rebellion, anger, and bitterness burden us down under their weight.  In this way, the enemy of our soul keeps us enslaved to the past.

But there is hope. The remedy for all sin is the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world. The way to overcome sin and place the devil under our feet runs counterintuitive to our natural inclinations. Hence, we often miss out on the victory already won for us on Calvary’s Cross.

Christ implores us to love our enemies; bless those who curse us; forgive those who have done us wrong, so that we might receive our forgiveness from God and be free from sin.

John 8:36 tells us that if the Son sets us free, we will be free indeed. We can be free of the pain and hurt of our past today. The Lamb of God beckons us to take on His yoke and learn from Him, as He is meek and lowly in heart. In so doing, we shall find rest for our souls, because His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. (Matthew 11: 29 – 30) Will you be free of your past today? Jesus is the way!

1 John 2: 16 and Philippians 2: 3

The ways of the world:

• All kinds of sexual and sensual gratifications
• Covetousness, greed, and materialism
• Vainglory, arrogance, narcissism, selfish ambition, vanity, and conceit

God’s way is love, humility, lowliness of the mind, and the regard for others above self.

John 17: 14 – 26 and Roman 12

The word we received from Jesus will cause dissension. It is in opposition to the world as it impels us to reject the world’s system. By our testimony and example of oneness in Christ and each other, the world may believe and come to Christ. For this reason, we are in the world, to make Christ and God the Father known to it, that the love of God and His Christ may be in us. It is the will of God that as Christ is in us, and God is in Christ, that we be in complete unity.

The truth of the word sanctifies us. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and do not conform to the ways of the world. As we live, we ought to live holy lives pleasing to God, which is the only valid and acceptable form of worship.

Do not indulge in vainglory, but according to the measure of faith God has given us, let us operate sincerely with love for each other. Hate evil and cleave to that which is righteous.

Be devoted to loving and honoring each other, and with all zealousness serve the Lord your God. With joyful hope, patiently endure afflictions, by faithfully seeking God’s face in prayer.

Empathize and live in harmony and peace with everyone as far as it depends on you. Be charitable to the poor and the needy without conceit. Be hospitable. Bless and not curse. Love and care for your enemies; Do not render evil for evil but overcome evil with love.