Dear Heavenly Father,
Ephesians 2:10(NLT) tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Thank You for letting us know how You see us, Dear Father. We are Your glorious creation—Your masterpieces, and through Jesus Christ, You have given us a new spirit. Because of the accomplishment of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, the Holy Spirit lives inside our recreated spirit and testifies that we are Your sons and daughters. You have claimed us as Your very own, and You paid the highest price that could be paid for our freedom from the slavery of darkness and despair. Galatians 5:1(MSG) tells us, “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” Now that You’ve set us free through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to continue standing on the truth of Your Word. We are to take our rightful place as Your royal and humble family, and never let the bondage of sin, fear, and darkness enslave us again.
Someone asked me, “Is it a sin to allow a person to mistreat you?” The person asked this question because she is being disrespected by her boyfriend. He verbally abuses her and calls her very negative names, yet, she continues to remain in the relationship. In many relationships, verbal abuse turns into physical violence and abuse. It is sad to say, Heavenly Father, but many of Your beloved daughters allow themselves to be treated this way. It is a form of bondage, and You do not want this for anyone. You have made us free through the Lord Jesus Christ, and we were created to walk in his liberty. You degreed that no human being should have authority and dominion over another, but instead, we should walk with the authority of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives.
In 1Corinthians 6:19, You tell us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, and you also tell us in this verse that our bodies are not our own; they belong to You. Through Your grace and mercy, You have given us the legal right to govern ourselves, but many of Your daughters give over their rights to men that cannot even govern themselves appropriately. Their abuse, ill-temper, and lack of compassion and patience is proof they have not equipped themselves through the love of Christ; therefore, they are not entitled or empowered to lead or guide anyone else.
Please help us to wake up, Dear Father. Please help us to love ourselves enough to treat our bodies as the temples You created them to be, and to not allow anyone to abuse them. Some of us have chosen to remain victims but being a victim doesn’t always mean we’re innocent. We should never cling to a man as if he is our everything and we are nothing without him. You tell us in 2Corinthians 3:5 that You are our sufficiency. You are our everything! Our lives belong to You and You hold them together. As Your children, we should only cling to You through the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for helping every person that is enduring bondage of domestic violence and abuse. Thank You for our powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for Your precious Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
“Never Cling to A Man”, written by K. Lizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2019. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.