Emotional manipulation can undermine relationships and leave a person feeling powerless, confused, and frustrated. As a society we have such a desire to be wanted that we forget the importance of being valued and appreciated. Even in the church it has become commonplace to choose chemistry over Character and emotional control over Godly love. Character will let you make decisions that better your own future whether the other person is involved in your life or not, where chemistry will pressure you to make choices that you don’t want to make. Character will Love you on the bad days as well as the good, where chemistry might choose to love you on some good days. Sparks stop flying when life becomes real and that is when the care and concern of a person with Character matter. True Character does not demand that you surrender your boundaries just to prove that you care. It gives you room to think, pray, grow, and make choices that are consistent with who God created you to be. A person who truly values you will never need to manipulate your emotions to keep you close. Love should strengthen your ability to walk in truth, not make you afraid to speak it. When someone consistently uses guilt, pressure, fear, or confusion to control your choices, it is important to recognize that behavior for what it is rather than calling it love. Lately, due to what I have been reading as well as experiencing in Christendom, I have been fervently praying over what is written in *Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and create obstacles or introduce temptations [for others] to commit sin, [acting in ways] contrary to the doctrine which you have learned. Turn away from them. 18 For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and base desires. By smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting [the innocent and the naive].* There are different feelings that we all have that are there to teach us what we don’t want as much as what we do. God makes it clear: He won’t manipulate, control, or coerce human beings into loving Him, and we should not allow it to be done by anyone else either, especially from those in the pulpits. I am thankful that God has removed the scales from my eyes and shown me His Character and enabled me to love others as Jesus has loved me. When we know and genuinely follow Jesus, it’s our joy to love others in ways that are committed, sacrificial, honest, courageous, grace-filled, healing, and everlasting. Unlike chemistry, physical beauty, or charm, Character is a treasure that never fades. My friends, we must be willing to recognize the difference between someone who wants to be loved and someone who is willing to love well. So many times we see the “Red Flags” but all we tend to do is make carpet out of them. Do not ignore the warning signs simply because you are afraid of losing a relationship, because protecting your peace and your walk with God matters more than keeping someone who continually pulls you away from both. If you see someone struggling under manipulation, pressure, or control, do not shame them or abandon them; remind them that they are worthy of honesty, dignity, freedom, and godly love. Let us be people who speak up with courage, extend grace with wisdom, and help one another choose relationships that draw us closer to God rather than relationships that slowly pull us away from Him toward destruction. O, dear hearers, the highest form of Love is found in encouraging others to draw nearer to God than to any one person and if you have someone like that in your life, keep them close, people like that are rare and should be held in high esteem. Jesus loves you and I love you too! Closing prayer: Lord, give us discernment to recognize the difference between Character and chemistry, godly love and emotional control. Help us identify spiritual manipulation and unhealthy relationships, and give us the courage to walk away from anything that draws us further from You. Teach us to love others with grace, truth, wisdom, and compassion while never compromising the freedom and dignity You have given us. And help us, as Christians, to protect one another, speak up with courage, and always encourage each other to draw nearer to You above any person or relationship. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.