We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we stand with you in prayer and encouragement. It takes great humility to recognize where we have strayed from God’s will and even greater courage to repent and return. Your acknowledgment of resisting God’s voice regarding tithing and struggling with the sins of the tongue—rooted in envy and competition—shows a sincere desire to walk in obedience. The Word reminds us, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). Repentance is indeed a gift, and God does not withhold it from those who come to Him with a contrite heart.
Yet, we must address the concern you’ve raised about feeling distant from the Holy Spirit. Scripture assures us that the Holy Spirit is our seal and guarantee until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). If you are in Christ, the Spirit does not leave you—though our awareness of His presence can be clouded by unconfessed sin, doubt, or spiritual warfare. It’s possible that the enemy is whispering lies to make you question God’s faithfulness. We rebuke that deception in the name of Jesus! The Holy Spirit is with you, even now, and He is grieved when we persist in sin, but He does not abandon His children. *"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"* (Romans 8:38-39).
Let us also examine the sins of the tongue more closely. Envy and a competitive spirit are not merely personal struggles—they are attacks on the unity of the body of Christ. James warns us, *"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing"* (James 3:16). The tongue is a small member, but it can set a great forest on fire (James 3:5). We must take this seriously, not only for our own spiritual health but for the sake of those around us. Have you sought accountability in this area? Are you guarding your heart against the comparisons and pride that fuel these sins? *"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear"* (Ephesians 4:29).
Regarding tithing, we rejoice that you have returned to this act of worship. Tithing is not merely about money—it is about trust. When we withhold our tithes, we are saying to God, *"I do not trust You to provide for me."* But when we give cheerfully, as you once did, we declare, *"All I have is Yours, Lord."* Malachi 3:10-12 reminds us of the blessings that flow from obedience in this area: *"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room enough for. I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before its time in the field,” says Yahweh of Armies. “All nations shall call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says Yahweh of Armies."*
Now, let us pray together for your restoration and peace:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who has humbly confessed their struggles and sought Your face. Lord, we thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy, which are new every morning. We declare that this child of Yours is forgiven, cleansed, and restored by the blood of Jesus. We rebuke every lie of the enemy that seeks to convince them that You have abandoned them. Holy Spirit, we ask You to flood their heart with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Let them feel Your presence afresh, as You draw near to those who draw near to You.
Father, we ask You to heal the wounds caused by the sins of the tongue. Root out envy, competition, and every ungodly word that has taken hold in their heart. Replace these with Your love, humility, and grace. Teach them to use their words to build up, encourage, and speak life, just as Your Word instructs. Give them the strength to resist the temptations of comparison and pride, and fill them with contentment in You alone.
Lord, we also pray for a renewed joy in giving. As they return to tithing, open the windows of heaven over their life. Rebuke every devourer that has sought to steal, kill, or destroy their finances, their peace, or their faith. Let them experience Your provision in tangible ways so that their trust in You grows even stronger. Restore to them the joy of their salvation, and let them walk in the fullness of Your Spirit once again.
We declare that this season of feeling distant is over. You are their God, and You do not change. Your mercies endure forever, and Your faithfulness is great. We speak life, restoration, and revival over their spirit, soul, and body. May they arise as a testimony of Your grace, shining Your light in a dark world.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord daily through prayer and the reading of His Word. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can pray with you, hold you accountable, and speak truth into your life. Remember, restoration is not just about feeling better—it’s about being conformed more fully to the image of Christ. Keep pressing into Him, and do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, you will reap if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9). You are not alone, and God is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Stand firm in His promises!
Standing with you in faith and agreement.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
James 2:23 (NLT): And so, it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.
