Spiritual Guidance – Naty Matos

Are you seeking a way to find peace amidst life’s inevitable pains and challenges? Join us in our latest podcast episode as we delve deep into the essence of forgiveness—a journey from resentment to liberation.

On our most recent episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse we guide you through a profound conversation on forgiveness. With engaging and relatable storytelling, we explore how forgiveness intersects with faith, family, and mental health, offering transformative insights along the way.

We start by defining forgiveness through the lens of the American Psychology Association (APA), which describes it as an intentional process of letting go of anger and resentment while embracing empathy and compassion. They emphasize that forgiveness is not necessarily about reconciliation but about freeing oneself from the burden of bitterness.

There are 4 types of forgiveness:

Forgiving Others: The most common form, where you forgive someone who has hurt you.
Self-Forgiveness: Often the hardest, where you learn to forgive yourself for past mistakes.
Forgiving Circumstances: Letting go of resentment towards situations beyond your control.
Forgiving God: Acknowledging and processing feelings of anger towards God in times of personal loss or tragedy.

This episode also offers practical advice on how to embark on your own journey of forgiveness:

Acknowledge Your Pain: The first step is recognizing and admitting your hurt.
Gain Perspective: Try to understand the situation from different viewpoints.
Release Resentment: Learn to let go of grudges that weigh you down.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate the forgiveness process.
Seek Guidance: Whether through therapy, counseling, or spiritual guidance, don’t hesitate to seek help.

The Spiritual Dimension of Forgiveness

Our hosts discuss the spiritual aspects of forgiveness, referencing various scriptures that underscore the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us. They also touch on the necessity of forgiving God, a concept that might seem controversial but is essential for healing deep-seated anger and disappointment.

Why Listen?

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with forgiveness. Whether you find it hard to forgive others, yourself, or even God, Naty and Veda provide compassionate and insightful guidance to help you release the emotional burdens that are holding you back.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation that promises to uplift and inspire. Tune in to the Thrive podcast and start your journey towards true forgiveness today!

Ready to dive deeper into the topic of forgiveness? Click here to listen to the full episode now.

In a world where charismatic leaders abound, each claiming to have a direct line to God’s truth, Christians face the daunting task of discerning genuine spiritual guidance from deceptive falsehoods. Jesus Himself warned of false prophets in Matthew 7:15, saying, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

As followers of Christ, we bear a solemn responsibility to discern truth from error, and this begins with a deep commitment to studying the Word of God for ourselves. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul instructs Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” This admonition applies to all believers, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement with Scripture to guard against deception.

False prophets often possess charismatic personalities and persuasive speech, making them all the more dangerous to unsuspecting followers. However, the surest defense against such deceit lies in cultivating a robust understanding of God’s Word through diligent study and prayer. Psalm 119:105 assures us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain clarity and guidance that illuminate the path of righteousness and expose falsehood.

Moreover, it’s essential to surround ourselves with godly mentors and fellow believers who can offer wise counsel and accountability. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” By engaging in mutually edifying relationships grounded in biblical truth, we fortify ourselves against the wiles of false prophets.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution even in seeking guidance from others. While mentors can provide valuable insights, their interpretations must align with Scripture. Acts 17:11 commends the Berean Jews for their diligence in examining the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received. Likewise, we must approach all teachings with discernment, testing them against the timeless truths of God’s Word.

False prophets often twist Scripture to suit their own agendas, leading unsuspecting followers astray. 2 Peter 3:16 warns of those who distort Scripture to their own destruction. Therefore, it’s imperative to maintain a firm grasp on biblical principles and sound doctrine to recognize and refute falsehoods.

In conclusion, while the prevalence of false prophets may pose a formidable challenge, Christians need not despair. By grounding ourselves in the unchanging truths of Scripture, seeking guidance from godly mentors, and exercising discernment in all things, we can navigate the tumultuous waters of spiritual deception with confidence. Let us heed the exhortation of 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “test everything; hold fast what is good,” ensuring that our faith remains steadfast and our hearts guarded against the cunning schemes of the enemy.

Amen! and until next time, be blessed!

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