One of the foundational classes we teach at the For My Life® Retreat involves Overcoming Accusation. We help people recognize if Accusation is operating in their lives and how to be free from it. Accusation is an evil spirit, and it brings division and separation in relationship with ourselves, others, and even God. But we can overcome Accusation and walk in forgiveness and love instead.
What is Accusation?
Accusation is a serious problem in mankind today. It causes wars, strife, and factions. It tempts us to be suspicious of others and constantly analyzes other people’s motives toward us. Accusation is often marked by continual bitterness toward others and believing the worst about them. It is easily offended and causes offenses. It is quick to judge based on misunderstandings. Accusing spirits solely focus on the evil in a person and completely exclude the good. It blames others for its own faults instead of taking responsibility for mistakes.
Accusation always uses truth as a weapon and mixes it with error. It twists the truth, and tears down instead of building up. The problem is often not what is said when operating in Accusation, it is how it is said. Its goal is to get us into a “spiritual ping pong” with others so that we constantly retaliate and defend ourselves. But the problem is that we are not at peace with others or ourselves.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 KJV
Accusation can be expressed in three dimensions: accusations against God, accusations against others, and accusations against ourselves. Accusation often comes through thoughts that sound like our own. Accusing spirits also try to mimic the voice of the Holy Spirit and give us another gospel. But God wants us to discern any Accusation in our lives so that we can repent and remove it. Instead, we can operate in forgiveness by the blood of Jesus so that fellowship can be restored as much as possible.
Accusations Toward God
The first dimension of Accusation is against God. Accusing spirits will try to tell us that God does not love us and that He is not pleased with us. Perhaps we feel condemned when we open our Bibles, instead of the gentle correction of the Holy Spirit. Accusation might also tempt us to believe that God is responsible for the bad things that happen in our lives or on the earth. It will tell us that God does not have our best interests at heart and that we cannot trust Him.
We must hate Accusation toward God and defeat it! As we spend time in His Word, we will know His true character and nature toward us. We will know His heart is for us, and that He loves us. Then we can reject any idea that does not line up with His Word. We can take every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and cast down the ones that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. And we can replace those thoughts with the truth of His Word—this is how we renew our minds. It is our choice what thoughts we will dwell upon, and this choice is key to overcoming Accusation.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV
Accusations Toward Others
The second dimension of Accusation is against others. Accusing spirits want us to attack others through gossip, slander, strife, innuendo, bitterness, and murmuring. We must not participate with these things. Accusation also blames others for we do ourselves. We accuse others so we are off the hook and make them responsible for our problems. Romans 2 says that what we judge others for, we are doing.
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. Romans 2:1 KJV
Similarly, when we are accused, it is important to recognize that we are not responsible for the evil behavior of others—we are only responsible for our response to it. If someone else refuses to act peaceably, we cannot make them. But we can refuse to agree with it. Not only can we repent for allowing Accusation to act out its nature through us, we can repent for allowing Accusation’s words through others into us and for believing those words. We can pull out those fiery darts and forgive them like Jesus did. Forgiveness is vital for overcoming Accusation.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:34 KJV
Accusations Toward Ourselves
The last dimension of Accusation is against ourselves. This is when we have those self-attacking thoughts of shame, guilt, and only seeing everything wrong with ourselves. Perhaps we have self-conflict and our thoughts are constantly double guessing, which leaves us with no peace. Or maybe we are always reminded of our sins and feel stuck like we can never change. We might feel unforgivable and that we are worthless.
The antidote is knowing and believing God’s mercy toward us and operating in that mercy too. We can believe that God loves us just as we are and is working with us to bring about change. When we make a mistake, we can repent and get back up again instead of feeling like garbage and staying down in our sins. Our soul can know right well that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. God loves us, and we can love ourselves too. His mercy is crucial for overcoming Accusation.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:15 KJV
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14 KJV
The Accuser of the Brethren
We know that Satan’s identity is the accuser of the brethren and he accuses the saints before God day and night. When we accuse others, we are participating with the nature of Satan.
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10 KJV
Additionally, Accusation is a characteristic of the end times. The Bible tells us there will be offenses and divisions on the earth. But we can be people who do not allow Accusation to operate through us. We can say, “Enough,” and not allow that curse to move through us.
⁷For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ⁸All these are the beginning of sorrows. ⁹Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. ¹⁰And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Matthew 24:7-10 KJV
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Matthew 18:7 KJV
Mercy and Truth
The Bible says that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. Even with all truth, if we do not have love—it will never produce any real change. Mercy and truth together make us want to choose good. God’s ways are mercy and truth, and He does not accuse.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:10 KJV
Instead of pointing out faults, we can restore others and operate in forgiveness. God wants to help us with overcoming Accusation, and has given us many tools in His Word to have fellowship with Him and others. If you recognize Accusation operating in your life, you can repent and start to be restored in your relationships today.
Bonus! Free Printable Poster “Overcoming Accusation”
RESOURCES:
Learn about overcoming Accusation and more at the For My Life Retreat.
If Accusation seems to be a stronghold in your life, you may need the assistance of personal ministry and prayer. In the For My Life Retreat, we offer complete teaching on Accusation followed by a time of deliverance ministry so that you can be free from the bondage to these evil spirits.
Accusation is just one of over 20 teachings that we present in the For My Life Retreat. There are also eight other discernment teachings and other foundational and doctrinal teachings that will help you establish your faith, rebuild relationships, and restore your life to health, peace, and sanity in Jesus Christ.
The For My Life Retreat is a safe place to take time out for your life and allow God to minister to your heart. Will you join us for this week-long, intensive healing retreat? We look forward to coming alongside you in your Overcomers’ Journey.
Blessings,
The Be in Health Team
