Christian Living
Oh lowest and most evil one
I have a delicious, delectable bad report
Of inroads made into the hearts and minds the enemy’s saints
God gives the gift of, dare I say, encouragement
But I’ve been able to successfully supplant it
With the gift of discouragement
Aided by pride and feelings of self righteousness
The unsuspecting saint didn’t have a clue
Of the exchange made while sitting in the church pew
The overflow of their heart
Spewed forth criticism and condemnation
Aimed squarely at a fellow believer
Unaware of the opportunity God presented
To pray for, encourage, and build up one another
I was able to come alongside and whisper in their ear
Out of their mouth came words I effectively used
To tear down, discourage and cause division
With one they call brother in Christ
As they sat in church
Feelings of superiority took hold
While they focused on the faults and failures of another
All the while
I was able to distract the one who was hurt
With hurt feelings, anger and un-forgiveness
The real victory was won
When I distracted both from hearing the pastor’s message
The Word of God was falling on deaf ears and distracted minds
I predict continued success
So long as they fail to take every thought captive
Or resist offering forgiveness for an offense
I dare say we may take even more of the enemy’s ground
If we can light a fire and watch it spread throughout the congregation
Fueled by pride and self-righteousness
Susan Bunts Wachtel
January 18, 2010
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Date
Sunny Loomis 
22 Jan 2010
Congratulations! This has been chosen to be highlighted on the Message Boards in the Cheering Section. You can see it by clicking here: FaithWriters Jewel Chest
This is great one. And a timely encouragement from a discerning sister. And now that we've heard these words; should we be forgetful hearers or take actions. Let's put on the apparel of love and encourage or build up one another. The walls are falling. Let us build....like Ezra and Nehemiah.....and for Christ's sake. Congratulations and keep on writing Susan.
Carol Penhorwood
22 Jan 2010
This is so well done--reminds me a lot of C.S. Lewis! Congratulations on the Jewel Chest! Great job!
Joanne Sher
19 Jan 2010
So much truth in this - and some great images. Very nicely done!
Enjoyed the cutting truth written here, glad you worte about it.
Well written, exposing a sad condition that does exist in many of our congregations. Discouragement from a brother, sister or even Pastor can be painful.
Well done and thank you Susan for sharing this. God bless you. Justus
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