Damage Control 3/23/2025

Most of us in this room have experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit, who has opened our spiritual eyes to His truth and offered us mercy. It's that moment when our brain and heart connect to something beyond us. It's that feeling of unconditional love that makes no sense because it hasn't been earned or deserved. In that moment, we can either say yes and repent as the Lord calls us to be His or refuse to believe. When we refuse to believe, we harden our hearts. It is the only way to escape the power of His call that draws us to Him. This is the hardening of the heart that Paul is talking about in this passage. When a person refuses the witness of the Holy Spirit, they damage their own spiritual competence, which in turn causes God to withdraw His Spirit. God will not go where He is not invited. He respects the free will that He gave us. However, this leaves the person vulnerable to dangerous impulses that tend to escalate, including persecuting others for their belief. A person who takes part in persecuting God's people invites upon themselves His divine justice. In effect, the prayers of Psalm 69 will be turned against them (Ro. 12:19). Yes, God is a God of mercy, but He is also a God of justice. He is patient but will not allow His people to suffer forever. In time, He will bring upon their persecution the punishment they deserve. This is why we must forgive those who persecute us. Showing mercy instead of justice gives others a second chance for redemption and healing. We call this damage control.