I was beginning to be shown some areas of my self reliance and so it followed like a piece in a puzzle to beseech to Jesus Christ to "Forgive me my carnality as I forgive them their carnality against me". Carnality against me! There's a thought. Yes, I have such experiences from persons who's carnality is against me and it is only difficult to forgive THEM if I think too highly of myself.
Hey Arcturus, this really speaks to me too. I have been thinking about how "carnality" is an instrument in God's design to mold us, a sculptor's tool if you will. Just as we have the picture image of satan being used as a tool, or a "club in God's hands" as Ray puts it.
Sometimes it is the carnality within us that does the sculpting and sometimes it is the carnality in someone else that helps to form me ever closer to that new vessel. When I think of it in this way, it is much easier for me to be forgiving of others. The good and the evil are necessary, so then even what is thought of to be "evil" can be embraced into life's productive experiences. Whatever is done against me, is really for me, since it all benefits my growth.
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?Peace and love to you,
Diana