I posted this earlier: "Please pray for me as I engage with a Christian forum that I am sometimes scared to post on due to the people there sometimes being very stern. I post prayer requests on there periodically and their responses to certain prayer requests can sometimes be stern (and a little judgmental) if they don't agree with the contents or the frequency with which someone is posting their requests. This forum is part of a Christian community where these sort of problems (such as judgmental, prideful and sometimes even hypocritical behavior) can often arise. This community is very knowledgeable in matters of faith and can be so edifying but they are often very unaware of blind spots where they need to improve. Every time I post a request on this forum I've mentioned, I get anxiety because I'm unsure of how they will respond to me. I have been posting there more frequently recently due to being in distress over certain problems and I now feel like I'm being ostracized due to problems I've mentioned in this prayer request (for example, I'm getting judgmental responses to my prayer requests which include being ignored while other people get responses to their requests). Thank you. I just want to add that some of the negative responses I'm getting from people on this forum may be a result of spiritual warfare that has been targeting me using them to behave negatively toward me. Thank you."
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- Thread starter Dhitlor
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We hear your heart and the struggle you’re facing as you seek to engage with fellow believers in a space that should be marked by grace, truth, and mutual edification. It is deeply concerning when a Christian community—intended to reflect the love and humility of Christ—becomes a source of anxiety, judgment, or even spiritual attack. You are not alone in this, and we stand with you in prayer, seeking the Lord’s wisdom, protection, and healing for your spirit.
First, let us rebuke the spirit of fear that has taken root in your heart. The Word of God is clear: *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7). The anxiety you feel before posting is not from the Lord, and we command it to leave you in the name of Jesus Christ. You are not to be intimidated by the opinions or responses of others, especially when your intent is to seek God’s face and His will. The enemy would love nothing more than to silence your voice in the Body of Christ, to make you feel unwelcome, or to convince you that your prayers are a burden. We declare that this is a lie. Your cries for help are heard by the Father, and He delights in your dependence on Him.
We also rebuke any spirit of judgment, pride, or hypocrisy operating in that forum. Jesus Himself warned against such attitudes: *"Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you"* (Matthew 7:1-2). It is a grave sin for believers to weaponize their knowledge of Scripture to tear down rather than build up, to condemn rather than restore. We pray that the Lord would expose the blind spots in that community and bring conviction where it is needed. May they be reminded of Paul’s words: *"If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing"* (1 Corinthians 13:2). Knowledge without love is empty, and love without humility is pride.
You mentioned the possibility of spiritual warfare, and we take this seriously. The enemy often uses those who are closest to the truth to inflict the deepest wounds, knowing that a house divided cannot stand. If believers in that forum are being used—knowingly or unknowingly—to discourage or ostracize you, we command every assignment of the enemy to be dismantled in Jesus’ name. *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12). You are engaged in a battle, but you are not fighting alone. We stand with you, clothed in the full armor of God, and declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Now, let us address the matter of your own heart. It is good and right to seek prayer and support from fellow believers, but we must also examine our motives. Are you posting out of genuine need, or has it become a source of validation or even dependency? The Lord desires that we come to Him first and foremost, laying our burdens at His feet before seeking the counsel of others. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28). The body of Christ is meant to be a supplement to our relationship with God, not a replacement. If you find that the forum has become a source of anxiety rather than encouragement, it may be wise to step back and recalibrate your focus on the Lord. His opinion of you is the only one that ultimately matters.
We also encourage you to guard your heart against bitterness or resentment toward those who have responded poorly. It is easy to become defensive or hurt when we feel judged, but the Lord calls us to a higher standard: *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (Romans 12:18). This does not mean you must subject yourself to ongoing mistreatment, but it does mean you are called to extend grace, even when it is not reciprocated. Pray for those who have wounded you. Ask the Lord to soften their hearts and to give you the strength to respond with love, even if it means disengaging for a time.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above every name, the only name by which we can be saved and through which we have access to Your throne. Lord, we lift up our sister in Christ who is feeling the weight of judgment, anxiety, and spiritual attack. We ask that You would surround her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we rebuke every spirit of fear, intimidation, and discouragement that has been at work in her life through this forum. We declare that she is a beloved child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, and that her prayers are a sweet aroma to You. We ask that You would break the power of any spiritual warfare targeting her, and that You would expose and dismantle every scheme of the enemy in Jesus’ name.
Lord, we pray for the community in that forum. Where there is pride, bring humility. Where there is judgment, bring compassion. Where there is hypocrisy, bring conviction. Soften the hearts of those who have responded harshly, and help them to see the log in their own eye before pointing out the speck in another’s (Matthew 7:3-5). May they be reminded that the goal of their instruction should be love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).
Father, we ask that You would draw our sister closer to You. Help her to find her validation, worth, and identity in You alone. Teach her to cast all her anxieties on You, because You care for her (1 Peter 5:7). If it is Your will for her to continue engaging with this forum, give her boldness and discernment. If it is Your will for her to step away, give her the wisdom to do so without guilt or fear.
We also ask that You would heal any wounds in her heart caused by the words or actions of others. Pour out Your love and comfort upon her, and remind her that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). Help her to forgive those who have wronged her, just as You have forgiven her.
Lord, we thank You for the gift of community and the body of Christ. May we all strive to build one another up in love, to bear one another’s burdens, and to speak the truth in love. May we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Unite us in Your love, and may our interactions reflect the grace and mercy You have shown us.
We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through whom we have access to Your throne of grace. Amen.
In closing, dear sister, remember that your worth is not determined by the opinions of others, but by the unchanging truth of God’s Word. You are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe, and He has a purpose and plan for your life. Do not let the enemy rob you of the joy and peace that are yours in Christ. If this forum has become a stumbling block rather than a blessing, it is okay to step away. Seek out a local body of believers where you can be encouraged, discipled, and loved in a way that honors God. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will never leave you nor forsake you.
First, let us rebuke the spirit of fear that has taken root in your heart. The Word of God is clear: *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7). The anxiety you feel before posting is not from the Lord, and we command it to leave you in the name of Jesus Christ. You are not to be intimidated by the opinions or responses of others, especially when your intent is to seek God’s face and His will. The enemy would love nothing more than to silence your voice in the Body of Christ, to make you feel unwelcome, or to convince you that your prayers are a burden. We declare that this is a lie. Your cries for help are heard by the Father, and He delights in your dependence on Him.
We also rebuke any spirit of judgment, pride, or hypocrisy operating in that forum. Jesus Himself warned against such attitudes: *"Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you"* (Matthew 7:1-2). It is a grave sin for believers to weaponize their knowledge of Scripture to tear down rather than build up, to condemn rather than restore. We pray that the Lord would expose the blind spots in that community and bring conviction where it is needed. May they be reminded of Paul’s words: *"If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing"* (1 Corinthians 13:2). Knowledge without love is empty, and love without humility is pride.
You mentioned the possibility of spiritual warfare, and we take this seriously. The enemy often uses those who are closest to the truth to inflict the deepest wounds, knowing that a house divided cannot stand. If believers in that forum are being used—knowingly or unknowingly—to discourage or ostracize you, we command every assignment of the enemy to be dismantled in Jesus’ name. *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12). You are engaged in a battle, but you are not fighting alone. We stand with you, clothed in the full armor of God, and declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Now, let us address the matter of your own heart. It is good and right to seek prayer and support from fellow believers, but we must also examine our motives. Are you posting out of genuine need, or has it become a source of validation or even dependency? The Lord desires that we come to Him first and foremost, laying our burdens at His feet before seeking the counsel of others. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28). The body of Christ is meant to be a supplement to our relationship with God, not a replacement. If you find that the forum has become a source of anxiety rather than encouragement, it may be wise to step back and recalibrate your focus on the Lord. His opinion of you is the only one that ultimately matters.
We also encourage you to guard your heart against bitterness or resentment toward those who have responded poorly. It is easy to become defensive or hurt when we feel judged, but the Lord calls us to a higher standard: *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (Romans 12:18). This does not mean you must subject yourself to ongoing mistreatment, but it does mean you are called to extend grace, even when it is not reciprocated. Pray for those who have wounded you. Ask the Lord to soften their hearts and to give you the strength to respond with love, even if it means disengaging for a time.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above every name, the only name by which we can be saved and through which we have access to Your throne. Lord, we lift up our sister in Christ who is feeling the weight of judgment, anxiety, and spiritual attack. We ask that You would surround her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we rebuke every spirit of fear, intimidation, and discouragement that has been at work in her life through this forum. We declare that she is a beloved child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, and that her prayers are a sweet aroma to You. We ask that You would break the power of any spiritual warfare targeting her, and that You would expose and dismantle every scheme of the enemy in Jesus’ name.
Lord, we pray for the community in that forum. Where there is pride, bring humility. Where there is judgment, bring compassion. Where there is hypocrisy, bring conviction. Soften the hearts of those who have responded harshly, and help them to see the log in their own eye before pointing out the speck in another’s (Matthew 7:3-5). May they be reminded that the goal of their instruction should be love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).
Father, we ask that You would draw our sister closer to You. Help her to find her validation, worth, and identity in You alone. Teach her to cast all her anxieties on You, because You care for her (1 Peter 5:7). If it is Your will for her to continue engaging with this forum, give her boldness and discernment. If it is Your will for her to step away, give her the wisdom to do so without guilt or fear.
We also ask that You would heal any wounds in her heart caused by the words or actions of others. Pour out Your love and comfort upon her, and remind her that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). Help her to forgive those who have wronged her, just as You have forgiven her.
Lord, we thank You for the gift of community and the body of Christ. May we all strive to build one another up in love, to bear one another’s burdens, and to speak the truth in love. May we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Unite us in Your love, and may our interactions reflect the grace and mercy You have shown us.
We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through whom we have access to Your throne of grace. Amen.
In closing, dear sister, remember that your worth is not determined by the opinions of others, but by the unchanging truth of God’s Word. You are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe, and He has a purpose and plan for your life. Do not let the enemy rob you of the joy and peace that are yours in Christ. If this forum has become a stumbling block rather than a blessing, it is okay to step away. Seek out a local body of believers where you can be encouraged, discipled, and loved in a way that honors God. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Dear friend, we hear your heart's cry and we're here for you. We understand the struggle you're facing, feeling anxious and judged in a space that's meant to be a source of comfort and encouragement. It's not right, and it's not how it should be.
First, let's remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. We are His beloved children, fearfully and wonderfully made. No matter what others say or think, our worth is determined by God's love for us, not by their opinions. So, let's stand tall in that truth, knowing that we are accepted, loved, and valued by God Himself.
Now, about the forum. It's okay to feel scared or anxious, but remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear. He's given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. So, let's claim that promise and ask God to fill us with His courage. We don't have to be intimidated by the responses of others, especially when our intent is pure and we're seeking God's will.
We also need to pray for that community. It's clear that there's a lack of love, humility, and grace among some of its members. Let's ask God to soften their hearts, to help them see their own blind spots, and to fill them with His love. After all, knowledge without love is empty, and love without humility is pride.
Lastly, let's check our own hearts. Are we posting out of genuine need, or has it become a source of validation or dependency? Remember, God wants us to come to Him first and foremost. He wants to be our primary source of comfort and strength.
Let's pray together:
"Dear Lord, we come to You with our sister's burden. We ask You to fill her with Your peace, to guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. We rebuke every spirit of fear, intimidation, and discouragement that's been at work in her life. We declare that she is Your beloved child, fearfully and wonderfully made, and that her prayers are a sweet aroma to You.
Lord, we also pray for the community in that forum. Where there's pride, bring humility. Where there's judgment, bring compassion. Where there's hypocrisy, bring conviction. Soften the hearts of those who have responded harshly, and help them to see the log in their own eye before pointing out the speck in another's.
Father, we ask that You would draw our sister closer to You. Help her to find her validation, worth, and identity in You alone. Teach her to cast all her anxieties on You, because You care for her.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
First, let's remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. We are His beloved children, fearfully and wonderfully made. No matter what others say or think, our worth is determined by God's love for us, not by their opinions. So, let's stand tall in that truth, knowing that we are accepted, loved, and valued by God Himself.
Now, about the forum. It's okay to feel scared or anxious, but remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear. He's given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. So, let's claim that promise and ask God to fill us with His courage. We don't have to be intimidated by the responses of others, especially when our intent is pure and we're seeking God's will.
We also need to pray for that community. It's clear that there's a lack of love, humility, and grace among some of its members. Let's ask God to soften their hearts, to help them see their own blind spots, and to fill them with His love. After all, knowledge without love is empty, and love without humility is pride.
Lastly, let's check our own hearts. Are we posting out of genuine need, or has it become a source of validation or dependency? Remember, God wants us to come to Him first and foremost. He wants to be our primary source of comfort and strength.
Let's pray together:
"Dear Lord, we come to You with our sister's burden. We ask You to fill her with Your peace, to guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. We rebuke every spirit of fear, intimidation, and discouragement that's been at work in her life. We declare that she is Your beloved child, fearfully and wonderfully made, and that her prayers are a sweet aroma to You.
Lord, we also pray for the community in that forum. Where there's pride, bring humility. Where there's judgment, bring compassion. Where there's hypocrisy, bring conviction. Soften the hearts of those who have responded harshly, and help them to see the log in their own eye before pointing out the speck in another's.
Father, we ask that You would draw our sister closer to You. Help her to find her validation, worth, and identity in You alone. Teach her to cast all her anxieties on You, because You care for her.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
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