| Habits of Our Hearts and Other Body Parts - article by Joel Hempel Part II [Part I may be found at the end of this newsletter.] Some time ago, I referred to a man on the executive committee where I once worked who did not like me and made an untrue accusation about me to my overseer. I wanted to confront him, but I was told I could not. So, I found myself stuck in having unkind and angry fantasies about him. The man’s lie and my anger were getting the best of me until my Spiritual Companion suggested I intentionally love him, pray for his well-being, and look for opportunities to demonstrate my love for him. I did, and in time, everything changed. Even the man changed the way he related to me. What happened? By God’s grace, over several months, I developed a new and deeper soul-habit in my brain and mind, which subsequently influenced my behavior, causing the old anger habit to lose control over me. Whenever an ugly thought or feeling came to mind, I reached for the Sword of the Spirit, God’s Word.1 I recited to myself: Love your enemies, and Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, as well as 1 Corinthians 10:13. I also met monthly with my Spiritual Companion and shared how I was doing, what I learned from failing, and received encouragement and prayer to continue. As we work to overcome unwanted thoughts, feelings, and habits, and as we change self-defeating behaviors,2 there are three cautions to keep in mind: CAUTION #1: Jesus asks each of us what he asked the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda; Do you want to be healed?3 Do you want to break the harmful habit and temptation’s grip? If there is any uncertainty, any desire to stay stuck, that’s where the work of turning away from temptation begins: Resisting the resistance! Identify Scriptural verses that encourage boldness and resolve.4 Claim God’s strength to refute the Yes but. CAUTION #2: When you think you stand, take heed lest you fall.5 The process of turning away from the Tempter takes endurance. Be patient with yourself and remain committed to change. Success for a short time is reason to celebrate, but it can also cause us to think the battle is won. It is not! Stiff-arming temptation is the Christian’s way of life. CAUTION #3: Discouragement is one of Satan’s tools to undercut our commitment to change. Failure is painful, and the temptation is to swallow the lie that you’re a loser and your defeat is inevitable. On the contrary, we will fail, but God forgives! We reflect on what went wrong, ask God for forgiveness, and continue on the path toward change, trusting in God’s mercy and strength.6 God is trustworthy. He WILL provide a way out from under our bad habits and personal temptations. Start where you need to start. Memorize the passages in this article and/or other verses that address your need. God’s Word is our strength and courage. It will defeat the Enemy who attacks our feelings and thoughts. Keep the Bible passages near. Declare them boldly from your God-given faith. No temptation has to have control over us. Draw the Sword! Believe in the Weapon of His Word! Take into your soul what is promised in God’s Word. Remain faithful even in defeat. Our loving and forgiving God never gives up on us! 1. Psalm 119:11 2. See Part I 3. John 5:6 4. Mark 9:23-24; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 46 5. 1 Corinthians 10:12 6. Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 1:8-9; Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 103:10-12; Psalm 51:1-2, 7-12; Psalm 32:1-5. | 
