Hate and un-forgiveness is tantamount to drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Most likely the perpetrator has gone about their business, clueless as to the strife initiated by their venomous words or behavior pointed in your direction. And the devil’s cohorts don’t discriminate as to whether such is done through the saved/believers or the un-saved/non-believers. Know this, the venom that the perpetrator spews in your direction need not be received which will take or involve concentrating or meditating and speaking peace Scripture (Colossians 3:15 [NIV], John 14:27 [NIV], John 16:33 [NIV], Psalm 127:2d [NKJV], Proverb 3:24b [KJV], 2 Timothy 1:7 [NKJV]). This is what Romans 8:26-28 is referencing; that all things work for the good of those that love God when operating in the things of God: the Word of God, prayer, the weapons of God, the Name of Jesus, etcetera. God doesn’t send bad things to strengthen you, such is neither compatible nor in keeping with Love who is God.

Therefore, both comprehension AND application of the Word of God is imperative. That is, to keep it in our eyes and on our tongue because spoon-feeding once per week will render scant against the wiles of the devil and his cohorts. As the Lord Jesus spoke via parable, Satan comes to take the Word of God out of your mouth (Mark 4:3-20) before it can be seeded in the fertile soil of your heart (reborn spirit). Such seems to be particularly active at the point of a breakthrough because the things of GOD are powered by divine love. Faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). Hate and un-forgiveness will impede the flow of The Blessing, like litter and debris blocks water from flowing freely. Forgiveness doesn’t require running back into any form of abuse (i.e., emotional, physical). Rather, it requires recognizing the fiery dart which “may” also require praying for the individual through whom the perpetrator is working. (The word “may” is purposely used herewith in lieu of 1Jn 15:16.)

The commandment is love (John 15:17), it isn’t an option; the Kingdom of God isn’t a democracy. The free-will with which you and I were created is between doing what God says or not doing what God says. This is what Scripture is referencing when the prophet of God relayed, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life . . .” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV). Choose to walk in the God kind of love poured into every reborn spirit (Romans 5:5). The soul (intellect, emotions) requires ongoing renewal through the Word of God by the Teaching of the Holy Spirit, that together with the reborn spirit may team-up to tell the flesh that this is what we’re (spirit, mind, and body) going to do. Choose life!