Who Has the Upper Hand?
by David Cross
Forgiving those who’ve sinned against us isn't just a nice thing for Christians to do. Paul says that it’ essential if we’re to stop the powers of darkness getting an upper hand in our lives, a place of the enemy’s authority, and an opportunity for him to bring us harm. This takes the issue of forgiving others to a whole new level of significance.
Unforgiveness is a problem because it’s contrary to the teaching of Jesus. It doesn’t stop Him loving us nor does it stop us being one of God’s precious children but, sadly, any issue in our lives that is bound up in unforgiveness remains under the hand of the enemy and subject to his plans.
Satan got the opportunity to have the upper hand over mankind in the Garden of Eden when our first forebears followed his instruction. Thankfully, Jesus has now given those who follow Him the opportunity to sit with Him today above that rule of the Evil One (Ephesians 2:6). That’s an amazing offer for us to be able to rise above the authority of the spiritual ruler of this rebellious world, meaning that, for those in Christ, it is we not him who can have the upper hand.
How Satan must tremble when we make the heart choice to forgive and so remove from his grasp an issue in our lives where he has had the advantage. What a Saviour we have in Jesus and how precious is His Kingdom culture of both forgiving and being forgiven!
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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