Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.In today’s process I am to look at my attitude of sometimes wanting to taking vengeance or getting even with those who done me wrong. While I recognized a long time ago this typically leads to more problems, I also recognize it is easy to fall back into this area. I need to be reminded that more times than not, heartache, and difficulties come about by trying to do the things that only God can rightly do.
I am doing better in this area, but today, for some reason, while doing the reading another area came to mind. Those who abuse me, only have power over me if I give them power. If I realize that I have the ability to not accept the abuse, then I control the situation and won’t have the desire to get even. It is time I realize, I can control, along with God’s help, my situation, feelings and emotions. The times I have tried to get even gives too much attention to those who have tried to impact me. I have also learned that no response normally generates less response from those who would abuse.
Father today, I ask you to remind me that I can control the way I respond to abusers. Help me understand that I have the power and ability to ignore, move on, and be the person you want me to be. I continue to also pray for those who abuse, I can think of specific persons in my life, and while I realize they may not realize their acts of abuse, I do. I pray they will have the spirit and attitude of Christ. I also pray that I can love them despite their actions. Help me understand, in many ways, I am no different than they. Where I have sinned and tried to have power over others, forgive me. Help me serve rather than boss around. Help me be your witness as opposed to trying to take on your responsibility of judgment and retribution.
Passages to contemplate for today’s entry:
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. ~ Galatians 6: 7-9
He who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. ~ Colossians 3:25
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