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“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE…” (2 Timothy 1:3).
Paul had many associate ministers, who followed him as he went about preaching the gospel. As a tent maker, he made money, and obviously supported some of them, yet everyone left Paul when he faced difficulties.
“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but ALL DESERTED ME. May it not be charged against them!” (2 Timothy 4:16).
As a human being, Paul might have felt offended and hurt by the actions of his fellow ministers. But the apostle would not allow offences to hold him captive, or draw a wedge between him and others. In fact, he would not habour grudges to poison his heart.
He would not allow offences to imprison his heart, that is, put his spirit in bondage. He would not want to grieve the Holy Spirit by whom he preached the gospel and wrought miracles, signs and wonders for the glory of God.
“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man” (Acts 24:16).
So, the Gentile-sent apostle learnt the secret to having a free spirit by which he would be empowered to fulfil his ministry by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, he decided to forgive everyone who hurt him.
For this reason, in writing to his child in Christ Jesus, Timothy, to show him an example as a father and leader, Paul boldly declared that he served God and people with a clear conscience.
This means he had no bitterness, ill-feeling, resentment, unforgiveness or hurt in his heart and mind against anyone. He was free from guilt. A clear conscience is necessary to attract the Spirit of God, to hear the voice of God, do the will of God and overcome demonic attacks.
On January 4, 2016, the Holy Spirit told me, “If you will keep a clear conscience and let go of all offences, you will be cured perpetually.”
That was when I was battling a deadly disease which medical doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) could not diagnose and commence treatment. It was a spiritual attack.
And truly God has perpetually cured me of that medically incurable disease, enabling me to taste of His goodness and giving me a living testimony. Praise God!
Keeping a clear conscience, resulting from forgiving yourself and those who hurt you, offend you or attempt to kill you is necessary to cure you of that disease or sickness you are suffering.
Having a clear conscience, as a child of God, is so important that Peter, the apostle, also adds his voice to it.
“Having A GOOD CONSCIENCE, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:16).
A Christian who lives with a clear conscience when he is insulted, lampooned or falsely accused aimed at destroying him puts his enemies to shame. This is because he does not repay evil with evil but with good.
Understand that, “The love of Jesus is powerful than the hatred of the devil.” This is a word of exhortation the Lord gave me on November 2, 2015 when the enemy had afflicted me with a deadly disease.
May the good Lord be with your spirit, as you decide to forgive all those who have offended you, so as to have a good and clear conscience to serve God and people. Amen.
By James Quansah
