Is there a way to handle mental persecution? -- By Simmy Joshy

 The word persecution reminds us of the physical tyranny suffered by people from different walks of life. In the biblical context also there are umpteen evidences of persecution and sufferings, mostly physical, faced by the disciples and followers of Jesus. Are we, the Christians of this century, free from persecution? Definitely not, perhaps the manifestation at physical levels might rather be lower.

 Are we aware of the persecution of the mind? We often fail to recognize the most inevitable form of persecution or bigotry -- that is the mental torture and discrimination not necessary from our enemies, but from the people who are close to us. It can be an unpleasant or undesirable word or dialogue that causes emotional strain or distress. We do not recognize these forms of mental persecution which often leads to grudge and hatred towards the people who have spoken ill of us, and then even culminates into a destructive phase, often cataclysmically.

 Such tormentors are open only to the limited or nil horizon of their own immanence and interests, and they neither learn from their sins nor are they genuinely open to forgiveness.
 When we keep the grudge in our minds, remember, we would be the losers. Our hearts and minds get filled with hateful and spiteful feeling, which could even intoxicate our mind and annihilate our faith and prayer life.

 But if we forgive those who do or speak badly about us, we are free and can get the release that the Lord promises. This is what the word of God says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph 4:31-32, NIV).

 Jesus has come to set us free from all the troubles and tribulations affecting us and the most important solution is to forgive others unconditionally. Through the Holy Scripture, Jesus urges us to have a forgiving mind at all times. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift therein front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matt 5:23-24 NIV).

 If we develop a forgiving mind, we would be the happiest and freest person in this world.

 In practice, it is not easy to forgive others who have wronged us. The world might consider us inferior if we don’t strike back at the person who inflicted hideous mental or physical wound on us. But in reality, a person who forgives would emerge as the TRUE WINNER and is far more superior. This is because we have freed ourselves from the negative thoughts that affect us and others close to us, which manifest in different ways if left unattended for longer periods.

  When we consider that the wrongful words or deeds of the person were out of his ignorance, then it becomes easier for us to think about forgiving the offender. The words of Jesus are applicable to us in such situations. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23: 33, 34 NIV). If we develop similar attitude towards our enemies and people who hurt or wound us, we could forgive them rather very quickly.

 If we keep grudge towards people who offend us, then our minds would be filled with rage and bitterness for different people and situations and if untreated over days, weeks, month, years and so on, it would overpower your emotions. We could no longer remain a cool companion to our dear ones. So start practicing the act of forgiveness and develop a forgiving mind. 

 Any thoughts about the offender or the ugly incident that comes into the mind are not for any rethinking about the spiteful experiences, but consider it as a God-given chance to forgive that person. A simple way to give away hatred, resentment and all negative emotions towards a person is to ask forgiveness in the NAME OF JESUS. It would be like:

* “I forgive you......(Name of the person) in the name of Lord Jesus

* (Name of the person) please forgive me in the name of Lord Jesus

* Cleanse.... .(Name of the person) with  the Precious Blood of Jesus

* Jesus, cleanse me with Your Precious Blood

* Bless .....(Name of the person).

 So start practicing this today and you will experience the power of forgiveness in your lives. This means free acceptance of the mercy of God and feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.

(The writer is a marine biologist based in Cochin, India)