Focus: The Power of Forgiveness | October 8 Kindness Confronts Witchcraft: The Subtle Power of Release

Kindness Confronts Witchcraft: The Subtle Power of Release

Kindness is a quiet, steady revolution against the darkness of bitterness and rebellion. It’s listed in Galatians as a fruit grown not by mere effort, but by the Holy Spirit:  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23 NIV)

Our world idolizes boldness and retaliation, but God’s kingdom advances through the gentleness and resolve of forgiving people. Unforgiveness is more than a failure to be nice it’s a spiritual mutiny.  

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:23 KJV)

When we refuse to forgive, we don’t only block kindness we partner with spiritual forces that oppose the work of God.

The Harvard Health study confirms what Scripture reveals: small acts of forgiveness even forgiving someone who cuts you off in traffic or speaks a harsh word start to break cycles of bitterness and give room for physical, emotional, and mental healing. Forgiveness retrains the soul to seek peace instead of pain. Jesus’ command reaches even further:  

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 NIV)

This is no shallow call to passivity. It is an invitation to power the authority to end cycles of pain with a single act of kindness. Paul echoes this in Romans:  

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NIV)

In forgiving, we act as God’s children and stand against every spiritual force rooted in rebellion and control.

Bible Verses

- Galatians 5:22–23 

  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

- 1 Samuel 15:23  

  “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”

- Matthew 5:44  

  “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

- Romans 12:21 

  “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Call to Action

Today, practice kindness toward someone difficult in your life. Start small: a gentle reply, a silent prayer, or even a blessing over an old enemy. Track what shifts in your spirit does your heart feel lighter, your mind less anxious? Use these moments to invite God’s Spirit to cultivate deeper healing.

Three Things to Remember

- Kindness breaks spiritual strongholds that bitterness and rebellion build.

- Small acts of forgiveness prepare us for deeper healing and freedom.

- God’s Spirit empowers simple kindness to overcome even the deepest wounds.

Link to study 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-power-of-forgiveness