Month: March 2023

Putting Together An Effective Church Security & SafetyTeam

Once upon a time, the lack of peace and safety church leaders worried about, mostly happened somewhere else; Now, the rise in deadly shootings and other crimes has visited churches. Church leaders of many houses of God are seeing their need to prepare for the unthinkable. The ranks of those who say It couldn t happen here have begun to shrink. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 declares that it is when men cry peace and safety
than sudden calamity brings destruction.

Now, peace and safety has become a call to action. That s why Secure-Family.net is here today. Don t take church security lightly or it may be one of the last things you ever do.
For example:
Sept. 15, 1999 Church in Texas
• Over 150 teenagers at church singing hymns.
• Suspect entered and shot 14 people.
• Ended up killing 7 people and injuring another 7 before killing himself.
March 12, 2005 Church in Wisconsin
• Suspect opened fire on the congregation, killing 7 and wounding 4 before taking his own life.
• He was described by people that knew him as a normal guy with no warning signs.
Dec 9, 2007 Church in Colorado
• Suspect was asked to leave a youth center.
• Returned, opened fire killing 2 and injured 2.
2
• 35 minutes later, he went to a church and killed 2 people.
March 8, 2009 Church in Illinois
• Suspect walks into the church and shoots the pastor dead, point blank.
• Several church members confronted the shooter with aggression and overpowered him.
March 31, 2013 Church in Ohio
• A suspect killed his father at the church.
• Afterward, he shouted about Allah and God.
• The suspect was later arrested by the police.
December 2019 West Freeway Church of Christ
• A gunman opened fire at 10am. in a Texas church on a Sunday, killing two people and injuring others before two “heroic” congregants shot and killed him at the scene.

This is just some of the hundreds of examples where someone walks into a church and starts shooting or otherwise causing havoc.

The Mentality of a shooter
He will continue until stopped. Primary motive is revenge or other motives.
Hatred, domestic or marital issues, child custody dispute, congregation dispute, denied services, disappointment in leadership’’s decision, physical/mental illness, financial trouble, or just mad at the world. Or it could simply be anything.

Are there pre-indicators?

Key Findings:
Unless person communicates their intent directly, Predicting an active shooter incident is difficult and even More difficult in large congregations.
Planning.
• The idea may brew for weeks or months
• Pre-implementation 2 days prior to the attack
• Higher risk on Sundays usually after church begins.
• Can happen anytime but mostly 8am to 2pm
Causes & Categories
• Difference’s of Religious Opinion/Ideology
• Domestic Disputes
• Youth Issues
• Retribution
• Mental Illness

Workplace violence
Prevention
“The best thing you can do to avoid injury and loss of life is prevent the attack in the first place.”
“When preventative measures fail, being caught without the means to defend yourself, even in a house of worship, is a mistake you might only get to make once.”

“Keeping Your Church Safe”” by Ron Aguiar
Dr. Don Boys says, “Christians don’t shoot to kill. Christians shoot to stay alive.”

Considerations For an Effective Church Security Team
*1. Situational Awareness. (or knowing what is around you at all times) (Is. 21:6) ““Situational awareness”” can be defined as ““paying attention to what is going on around you.”” Awareness is a choice. One has to choose to pay attention. Remember, never put yourself in a situation Sufficient & proper training of volunteers, with annual updates in…
*you can’’t see your way out of

2. Verbal de- escalation of conflict when dealing with disruptive persons ( How to approach a disruptive person without putting them instantly on guard, or triggering their flight or fight response.) (Prov. 15:1)
3. Unarmed or non-lethal de-escalation (take the perp. down with pepper spray, stun gun, physical force, etc.)
4. Armed engagement (using a last-ditch effort to save lives).
5. 
   Side notes:
   *No one should be on a church security team without being properly trained in the 4 areas above .
   
   *Everyone on a church security team should be properly trained in the use of their weapon.
   *No one should be on a church security team If they are unwilling to use deadly force if necessary.
   Remember, security can be balanced with a warm, welcoming environment at your church by using friendly greeters while keeping an eye out for the unusual.
6. 
   More Suggestions for Keeping The Church Safe
   • Security cameras with someone monitoring them at all times during services & events is strongly sugggested.
   • Physical random patrolling of the parking lot and grounds around the campus during services & events( No one person should do this alone. Security personnel should always work as a team effort.)
   • Two way radio communication is strongly suggested. (With The chief of security monitoring all transmissions.)
   • Work with local law enforcement, if possible, asking them to Periodically and randomly Patrol the parking lot During service times and special event time periods.
   • Develop a church security plan as part of the security policy. Then Create a manual outlining the policies & procedures of your security program and make sure everyone concerned reads and understands them.
   End Note:
   6
   “
   “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.””
   James 1:19 KJV
   www.Secure-Family.net
   Don Woolett
   (270)723-5184
   NOTE:
   Copyright 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net. P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky. 42748
   ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry
7. •  Bro. Don Woolett is a member of the Hodgenville Pentecostal Church, Hodgenville, Ky 42748.  He is a member of the HPC church security & safety team and holds credentials as a minister with the Free Pentecostal Church of God Association, Cincinnati, OH. He is an ordained Chaplain with Chaplains International, Inc. As a graduate of Sheepdog Church Security Academy, Bro. Don’s church and family security qualifications include US Army combat special operations, Security team fundamentals certification, Dealing with disruptive persons certification, Optimal situational awareness certification, Storms and Disasters certification, Mass Trauma Emergency certification, Basic Use of Force Laws certification, Active Shooter Response certification, Arson and Fire Safety Certification, Protecting Children from Abuse certification, Conflict resolution certification, Safety Member certification & training through USCCA, US Law Shield, University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine  in general industry safety standards, & More.  Bro. Don is also a published song writer and his wife, Debbie, writes & publishes Sunday School and Kids Church outline material.  Bro. Don & his wife, Debbie, reside near Hodgenville, Ky.
   • Secure-Family.net,
   • P.O. Box 337, Hodgenville, KY 42748  (270) 723-5184
   • HERE IS A VIDEO LINK THAT WILL BE VERY HELPFUL IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT CHURCH SECURITY & SAFETY
   • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKqXTf0rtk

Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Once upon a time, the lack of peace and safety church leaders worried about, mostly happened somewhere else; Now, the rise in deadly shootings and other crimes has visited churches. Church leaders
of many houses of God are seeing their need to prepare for the unthinkable. The ranks of those who say “It couldn’t happen here” have begun to shrink. You may not have the ability to avoid a mass shooting or other emergency from ever occurring. Still, you can enhance the security at the House of Worship and have a plan in place to respond effectively to an emergency. It is clear that God not only defends his people but expects them to act in their own defense. They are to wisely plan their defense and put it into action, while still trusting God for its effectiveness.
Today the general mindset is different as opposed to Old Testament times. Churches in general do not carry the same level of respect they had a few generations ago. Neither is there the same respect for those of different persuasions, whether political stands, social issues, or religious beliefs.
Where most people back then saw no need for defending themselves and others in a church, now more people sense the need.
This is especially true in the wake of New Life in Colorado Springs, Emanuel AME in Charleston, Burnette Chapel in Antioch, and First Baptist in Sutherlund Springs.
Even churches belonging to pacifist (non-violent) traditions have begun to use some level of security involving self-defense. For them, this is usually unarmed resistance of attackers and grab-and-go (escort) holds of persons becoming violent. But even Mennonite Mutual, the church insurance company for a large pacifist group, no longer disallows congregations with armed church security teams.
The Bible does not forbid Christians from defending themselves, except for the response to a non-lethal physical or verbal insult (‘turn the other cheek”). However, aside from this, self-defense is expected throughout the Scriptures. It is the only prudent response to violence. This may be unarmed defense – there are many organizations and schools teaching this.
Current conditions in society, even in North America, justify having at least a few Safety Team members who are armed. Just as swords were carried for defense in Jesus’ day, handguns are carried today. But with the firepower comes responsibility. This means preparation (training), practice, and prudence. Jesus told His disciples to be “wise as serpents” while still being “harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). (https://sheepdogchurchsecurity.net/archive/self-defense-and-the-bible/)
Church security is increasing at houses of worship worldwide due to threats such as active shooter attacks and acts of terrorism. The FBI Hate Crimes Stats report revealed there were over 7,000 hate criminal activity events in 2017, with practically 21 percent of those encouraged by a religious predisposition. Houses of worship can be targeted because of the religious beliefs they practice or just because of the market make up their congregation.
You may not have the ability to avoid a mass shooting from ever occurring. Still, you can enhance the security at the House of Worship and have a plan in place to respond effectively to an emergency.
Remember, it only takes three elements for any violent crime: (1) An attacker motivated by a cause, (2) A victim who represents that cause, and (3) A lack of protection. The first two elements exist in just about any major gathering of people. The third may be more common in faith-based organizations than any other group. (Evil Invades Sanctuary by
Carl Chinn)
We must defend the church from violence. While deadly force should be viewed as an absolute last resort, we must prepare to use it properly and effectively. We must remain alert to potential threats and know how much force should be used in any given situation as well as what the laws are regarding its use.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 declares that it is when men cry “peace and safety” than sudden destruction will come.
Now, peace and safety has become a call to action. That’s why Secure-Family.net is here today. Don’t take church security lightly or it may be one of the last things you ever do.
According to Ron Aguiar, author of “Keeping Your Church Safe” “The best thing you can do to avoid injury and loss of life is prevent an attack in the first place.”
“When preventative measures fail, being caught without the means to defend yourself, even in a house of worship, is a mistake you might only get to make once.”
Let me share some Biblical Principles and Scriptures for church security.
Nehemiah 4:9
“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.”
Nehemiah 4:14
“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”
Isaiah 21:6
“For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.”
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
2 Corinthians 6:15
“And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (Would you want to be associated in any way with an infidel?)”
James 2:20
“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
2 Corinthians 13:1
“…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
Luke 22:36
“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him
take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

Luke 11:21
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
1 Chr. 9:21-24
“And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation. 22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. 23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the Lord, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards. 24 In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.”
Now what do you suppose those porters were there for? The security of the people and the house of God!
Prov. 22:3
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
2 Kings 11:7, 11
“And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord about the king. (11) And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.”
Remember, security can be balanced with a warm, welcoming environment at your church by using friendly greeters while
keeping an eye out for the unusual.
James 1:19 KJV
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
I believe it is the supreme responsibility of every parent (Dad, Mom, Grandparent, etc.) to protect their family from anyone or anything that might do them harm. [1 Timothy 5:8] That includes the house of worship which most criminals consider a “soft target.” because no body will be there with the ability to stop them.
The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 62 verse six, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense;…” Then again in
Proverbs 24: 29, the Scripture says, “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his
work.” I do not believe that Christians have a right or mandate to
retaliate when slandered or insulted. Such insults do not threaten the personal safety of a Christian. Defending one’s self against a mugger, robber, or rapist is a different story, however. As author Don Boys, Ph.D says, “Christians don’t shoot to kill. They shoot to stay alive!”
From my studies and experienced observation, a Christian doesn’t have a right to retaliation or personal vengeance. However, one does have a Scriptural and Constitutional right to defend himself, his family and his or her property. Remember also that Jesus, as gentle and mild as he was, drove the money changers out of the temple with a whip then turned over their tables. He also stood in their way so they couldn’t pass through. (Mark 11:15 & 16).
It is clear to me that God holds mankind responsible for being armed and prepared to protect and defend his family.
Jesus taught in Luke 22:36 that if one doesn’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Pacifist beliefs do not stand up to the harsh reality of our fallen world nor is pacifism to be reconciled to the clear teachings of Scripture. Consider Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There are a number of passages of Scripture that encourage escaping from danger or even using force in self-defense, if necessary, and encourage us to defend other people against wrongful attacks (Psalms 82:3). Jesus’s disciples carried swords, even after three years of traveling with Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemne, they had swords. Swords in the first century were used for self defense. So, I think there are times in which self-defense to prevent us from suffering significant bodily harm is justified.
Jesus himself told us in St. Luke 11:21, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.”
English Common Law states that a man’s home is his castle(or palace). I believe that includes your family and possessions occupying or associated with your castle, whether in church or out of church. A burglar (rapist, robber, pervert, predator, etc.) who has no regard for the sanctity of your home or church, would likely have no more regard for your physical wellbeing. He or she is not breaking into your home or place of worship accidentally and presents a “clear and present danger.”
In my opinion, the use of force to stop violence is not the same as the initiation of violence. I fully agree with Don Boys when he says that if you permit a murder or rape of an innocent child when you could have stopped it than you are morally responsible for it! (see Matthew 24;43)
Therefore, from these and other Scriptures, it is clear to me that God holds men responsible for being prepared to stand up for his family and acquaintances and even for being armed, if necessary, and prepared to protect his family, even in church. (or anywhere else for that matter).
I would never want to be found to be “worse than an infidel” by allowing someone to harm my family or acquaintances when I have a means to stop them. (see Matthew 24:43).
Revenge is in God’s hands; protection for our family and Christian brothers and sisters is our responsibility.
God himself says he is our defense. However, I do believe we, as individuals, have a definite mandate from God to defend and provide for our families, even in the House of God.

Don Woolett, Secure-Family.net

Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
So, who has to listen to authorities in their lives? Everyone! I’m not talking here about worshiping authority figures but respecting them.
See God does not say just some of us have to follow the authority in our lives. He says everyone has too. That means you, me, Mom, Dad, government officials (yes them too), even the Pastor of our church. No one has the right to defy the authority in their lives. We all have authorities in our lives.
I’m going to read a scripture that will help us better understand when it would be inappropriate to obey an earthly authority.
Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
According to Romans 13:1, there is no authority EXCEPT from God. Then God is the only authority we need to listen to, right? Well if we stop right there then the answer is yes. But let’s go a step further in this verse.
“…. the powers that be are ordained of God”
The word “ordained” means placed. God places people in our life that have authority over us. God has a perfect plan for each of us and those plans are different and awesome. These people are put there to help guide us down the right path. Some of those people are so important, God has written specific scripture about them.
Ephesians 6:1-4
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Our parents are people God has put in authority over us and obeying them is the right thing to do, if for no other reason than to honor God.
The Bottom line is this:
When we submit to those in authority, we not only do it for our security or our safety, or to avoid negative consequences, or even to maintain order in our lives, but to honor God.
To follow those in authority is to honor God; it really is that simple.
It may not seem like that most of the time, especially since the world tells us we don’t have to let anybody tell us what to do.
I want you all to know that those in authority over us have that position because God has given that authority to them.
This does not make them perfect or incapable of making mistakes. Others in authority may make mistakes but, none of those mistakes are excuses for you or me to disregard that authority.
Now I will say this. If someone in authority tells you to do something wrong or against the commandments of God, the Bible tells us that we are to obey God rather than man.
Our parents are people He has put in authority over us and obeying them is the right thing to do, if for no other reason than to honor God. Our teachers and principles at school have been put in authority over us by God to help us and make smarter, better students and citizens of us in order to honor God.
Let’s read Romans 13:1 again, but this time let’s read the next 6 verses as well.
Romans 13:1-7. Listen closely.
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. We don’t want that, do we?
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (That’s Christian moral character)
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. If you want to have a clear conscience, you need to obey those in authority over you. Let’s read on.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
OK then. What about our parents, or our pastor, or our teachers? Do they fall under these scriptures?
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; That includes your schoolteachers by the way. Now, why did God give them?
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: What does the word, edify, mean? It means, “instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.”.
As Christians, we’re all representatives of Jesus Christ and called to spread the Gospel in various ways whether it be preaching or the way we live and act around others or any way that represents the lifestyle Jesus would want us to live. This honors God.
You see, working for God builds respect for the Authority of God. God is honored by our obedience. Now we’re not saved by our works for it says in Eph. 2: 8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.” God gives us the gift of salvation so we can tell others about Him by testifying, doing good things, preaching or teaching the Gospel, etc. Salvation produces works, however, for it says in verse 9, “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”
I want to close today with the words to a song I wrote several years ago for our kids when they were younger. It’s titled “Work Just A Little Bit Harder” And his is how it goes.

1. God wants me to do my best
When sowing seeds of righteousness.
There’s no time to stop and rest
With so much to be done.
The more I work the more I know
The seeds I plant are gonna grow,
And I’ll sure reap just what I sow
While working for God’s Son.

CH. I want to work just a little bit harder.
Climb just a little bit higher.
Dig just a little bit deeper in the word.
I want to move just a little bit closer.
Go just a little bit farther,
And work just a little bit harder for the Lord.

2. Now, if I work hard everyday
And please the Lord in every way
I know that I will hear him say
“Well done. You’ve made it through.”
Though works won’t save me, this I know,
My works will help my faith to grow
And I will see the blessings flow
In everything I do.

©  2000/2007 Don Woolett (Dew Crest Pub. BMI)

Let’s all work just a little bit harder and do our best to let those in authority over us know how much we appreciate them.

Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net

Matt. 6:14-15, “ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Acts 1:8 tells us, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” But, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not our only source of power. The Holy Ghost gives us witnessing power.
The Scriptures tell us there is power in God’s Word. Rom. 1:16 the Apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” So you see there is power in the Word of God.
There is also power in the prayer of faith. James 5:15 tells us, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
There is power in the preaching of the cross of Christ. 1 Cor. 1:18 says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
There is power in the name of Jesus. John 20:31 Jesus tells us, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Through the name of Jesus we receive life eternal and the power to be saved as well as the power to be healed and delivered. Also, Act.2:38 tells us, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Again, in Act. 19:4-6 we read, “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
There is also power in forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a stable of the Christian faith. We know that Christ died so that we can receive forgiveness. And we know that we are called to forgive others.
Unforgiveness is sin. The lack of forgiveness blocks access to God’s Kingdom and the miracle working power of the Holy Ghost.
Forgiving a person who has wronged you is never easy,but dwelling on those events and reliving them over and over can fill your mind with negative thoughts and suppressed anger. Yet, when you learn to forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of others and can finally feel free. You see, sometimes people who attack others are themselves in a state of fear, worry and hurt. They don’t think and lash out. Sometimes the wrongdoing is not personal, but due to something the other person was dealing with.
None of us deserves to be forgiven; yet God forgives us. That does not mean you condone what someone else did. It actually means the opposite. You acknowledge the hurt and still choose to forgive, which is why forgiveness is so powerful. Though we may forgive, we can’t often forget. However, we can change our reactions to those memories.
You know, you can’t force someone to reconcile your differences or disagreements because you don’t have control over his/her actions. But you can open the door to the possibility by beginning with forgiveness. You can’t force someone to forgive you but you can still be in the will of God by forgiving & not holding a grudge.
Look at Matt. 18:21-22. It reads, “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.”
Oh I know it isn’t that easy, sometimes, to forgive someone who has done you wrong and unjustly. It takes some great effort on our part to forgive knowing the other person doesn’t feel the same way as we do. Our strength to forgive comes when we put it in the hands of God. God gives us Divine power to forgive. The other person may never know about your forgiveness. But forgiving and letting go can lighten the load on both your body and spirit.
Holding a grudge can work havoc on both body and spirit. Practicing forgiveness can have powerful health benefits. According to Dr. Tyler VanderWeele, of the Harvard TH Chan school of public health, “Forgiving a person who has wronged you is never easy but dwelling on those events and reliving them over and over can fill your mind with negative thoughts and suppressed anger. Yet, when you learn to forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of others and can finally feel free.”
To sum up, let me quote Rom. 6:22, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
Do you struggle with forgiveness? Do you sometimes feel “there’s no way I can forgive that person?” My advice is to apply ALL of God’s power sources, to your heart and life. Then you will find the power to forgive and be set free!