Theme Scripture (Matthew 13:24-30 NKJV)
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, “Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares? He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’ ”
Some would ask why on earth would there be a need to be delivered from people when the Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. It is important, as a believer to be in fellowship with other believers. When people, of like spirits (believers) come together in a unified manner, strength can be drawn from one person to the other. When you come together on one accord with one purpose in mind, then the plan of God can be fulfilled.
The types of people you and I need to rid or loose ourselves of are those individuals who are unequally yoked to us spiritually and mentally. For clarity purpose: You can be unequally yoked to a non-believer as well as a believer, who have accepted Jesus as their personal savior, but is not living their lives according to the Will of God. Everyone that is in the church is not living for God. We have tares among us from the pulpit to the pews.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 Amplified Version)
When you are being delivered from people, you are not being delivered from them as a person, but from their “Negative Attitude”. I have learned over the years that it is not what you see on the outside that you must ward off, but what is operating on the inside of that person. Every word that proceeds out of their mouth is negative and lifeless. They are not happy or content with their own lives; therefore they are trying to do everything within their power to make your life miserable. These are individuals within your inner circle. The ones you trust and rely on for everything.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalms 118:18).
The scripture tells us that it is better or advantageous to put your trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is interesting how the Bible says trust in the LORD and confidence in man instead of trust in man. Although the word trust and confidence are very similar, they are different in meaning.
When you have confidence in someone, you are positive, certain and even convinced that this person will be able to do a particular function or task. Although your relationship with this person is based on trust and intimacy (closeness), when they fail a particular task, you may become disappointed. You may even feel frustrated or disillusioned, but you are not heartbroken.
When you trust someone, your level of expectation is heightened. Not only do you have confidence in this individual, but also have placed a charge or responsibility upon them to do just what they said. In some instances, your trust in someone may require you to hold him or her accountable for your very life. Once your trust in someone is broken, it may take months and even years to regain their trust. When someone has broken your trust, you must learn how to forgive him/her and move on. Forgiveness is a key to getting loose from people.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22)
For all my analytical readers, seventy (70) times seven (7) is four hundred and ninety (490) times. To break this down, we are to forgive our brothers and sisters every time they sin against us. No matter how much it hurts or how many times they do it, we must forgive them. Just as we are constantly expecting God to forgive us, He expects us to forgive them as well.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you and your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26).
In addition, to forgiving those who have sinned against you, you must live your life for Jesus. Don’t be concerned about what people may say or think. Focus on God and love them in spite of their actions toward you. For Jesus loves us in spite of us.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:34-35).
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