Category Archives: Heart Issues of Man

biblical marriage, Heart, Heart Issues of Man, love, marriage, physical attraction, Relationships

Hearts Aligned: A Follower of Christ’s Guide to Attraction

Attraction is often reduced to chemistry, aesthetics, or fleeting emotion, but for a follower of Christ, attraction begins much deeper. It is not merely about what draws the eye, but about what aligns the heart. Biblical attraction is rooted in purpose, character, and spiritual direction rather than impulse or fantasy.

Scripture teaches that the heart is central to all relationships. What we are drawn to reflects what we value, and what we value is shaped by what we worship. When Christ is at the center of a believer’s life, attraction begins to shift away from superficial desire toward spiritual compatibility.

Physical attraction is not sinful, nor is it ignored in Scripture. God is the author of beauty, and He created human beings with the capacity to admire and desire. However, beauty is meant to be stewarded, not idolized, and physical attraction must be ordered under wisdom rather than ruling the heart.

A follower of Christ understands that attraction without alignment leads to imbalance. When two people are drawn together but moving in different spiritual directions, tension inevitably follows. Scripture warns against being unequally yoked because misalignment of faith produces strain on the soul.

True attraction grows when values intersect. Shared convictions, reverence for God, and mutual submission to His will create a foundation that chemistry alone cannot sustain. What draws two believers together should be strengthened, not threatened, by their faith.

Character is one of the most powerful forms of attraction in the Kingdom of God. Integrity, humility, patience, and self-control reveal the fruit of the Spirit at work. These qualities may not initially dazzle the senses, but they anchor the heart over time.

A Christ-centered guide to attraction emphasizes discernment over impulse. Discernment asks not only “Do I like them?” but “Do they help me love God more?” Attraction that draws one closer to righteousness is fundamentally different from attraction that pulls one into compromise.

Emotional attraction also requires stewardship. Strong feelings can cloud judgment if they are not filtered through prayer and counsel. The believer learns to submit emotions to God, trusting Him to clarify what is genuine and what is merely intense.

Spiritual attraction often reveals itself quietly. It appears in shared prayer, aligned convictions, mutual respect for boundaries, and a common hunger for God’s Word. This form of attraction deepens with time rather than burning out quickly.

The world teaches attraction based on self-gratification, but Christ teaches attraction based on self-giving love. Biblical love is patient, kind, and disciplined. It seeks the good of the other person, even when that requires restraint or waiting.

Purity plays a critical role in godly attraction. Physical boundaries protect emotional clarity and spiritual peace. When attraction is expressed within God’s design, it produces security rather than confusion and honor rather than regret.

A follower of Christ recognizes that attraction is a process, not a verdict. Initial interest is not a command to pursue at all costs. Wisdom allows space for observation, prayer, and confirmation before emotional investment deepens.

Prayer aligns attraction with God’s will. When believers bring their desires before God honestly, He refines them. What once felt urgent may be revealed as premature, and what seemed unlikely may emerge as divinely appointed.

Community also plays a role in discerning attraction. God often uses wise counsel to confirm or caution the heart. Isolation intensifies emotion, but godly counsel introduces clarity and balance.

Attraction guided by Christ is not possessive. It does not rush to claim ownership over another person’s heart. Instead, it honors free will, respects growth, and allows God to lead the pace of the relationship.

Time is a revealer of truth. When attraction is rooted in Christ, it matures rather than fades. Consistency, accountability, and shared spiritual practices strengthen the bond beyond initial excitement.

A Christ-centered approach to attraction reframes waiting as preparation rather than punishment. Waiting refines desire, exposes motives, and prepares the heart for covenant rather than convenience.

Attraction must ultimately point toward purpose. Relationships are not ends in themselves but vehicles through which God is glorified. A relationship that distracts from calling or compromises obedience cannot be sustained by godly attraction.

When hearts are aligned with Christ, attraction becomes peaceful rather than chaotic. There is clarity instead of confusion, patience instead of pressure, and hope instead of anxiety. This peace is one of the strongest confirmations of God’s guidance.

Hearts aligned in Christ are drawn together not by fear of loneliness, but by shared devotion. The relationship becomes a partnership in faith, service, and growth rather than a pursuit of validation.

In the end, a follower of Christ understands that attraction is safest when surrendered. When desire is placed in God’s hands, He orders it rightly. What He joins together is not only appealing to the heart but anchored in eternity.

References

The Holy Bible, King James Version.

Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (2002). Boundaries in dating. Zondervan.

Stanley, A. (2011). The new rules for love, sex, and dating. Multnomah Books.

Wheat, E., & Wheat, G. (2010). Intended for pleasure. Revell.

Wilcox, B. W., & Dew, J. (2016). The relationship paradox. National Marriage Project.

bible, Heart, Heart Issues of Man, KJV bible, sin, Sins of the Heart

Plagues of a Sinful Heart

The concept of the sinful heart is central to biblical theology, describing the internal condition from which destructive behaviors, systems of oppression, and moral decay emerge. Scripture consistently teaches that sin is not merely an external action but an inward plague that shapes thoughts, desires, and intentions. The heart, in biblical language, represents the core of human will and consciousness, making it the primary battleground between righteousness and corruption.

The Bible declares that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). This verse frames sin as a condition rather than a momentary failure. A sinful heart distorts perception, justifies wrongdoing, and resists accountability. Like a disease left untreated, it spreads silently until its effects become visible in individual lives and entire societies.

One plague of a sinful heart is pride. Pride elevates the self above God and others, fostering arrogance, entitlement, and domination. Scripture warns, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, KJV). Pride blinds individuals to their own faults and fuels systems that exploit the vulnerable while excusing injustice as superiority or destiny.

Another manifestation is greed, an insatiable desire for accumulation without regard for moral consequence. The Bible states plainly, “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10, KJV). Greed transforms human beings into commodities and reduces life to profit margins, giving rise to exploitation, economic oppression, and spiritual emptiness.

Hatred is another plague rooted in the sinful heart. Jesus taught that hatred is morally equivalent to murder in the heart (Matthew 5:21–22, KJV). When hatred is normalized, it dehumanizes others and justifies violence, discrimination, and exclusion. Entire nations have been shaped by this inward corruption, producing laws and cultures that reward cruelty.

Deceit also flows naturally from a sinful heart. Scripture declares, “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19, KJV). Deceit corrodes trust and destabilizes relationships, institutions, and truth itself. When lies become habitual, truth is perceived as a threat rather than a virtue.

The plague of lust represents disordered desire, where pleasure is pursued without restraint or responsibility. Lust reduces people to objects and distorts the sacredness of intimacy. Jesus’ warning that lustful thoughts constitute adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28, KJV) reveals how deeply sin operates beneath outward behavior.

A sinful heart also produces injustice. When compassion is absent, power is abused. The prophets repeatedly condemned Israel not for ritual failure alone but for hardened hearts that oppressed the poor and ignored the afflicted. “They have hearts like stone,” Ezekiel wrote, describing a people unmoved by suffering (Ezekiel 36:26, KJV).

Racism and tribalism are societal plagues born from sinful hearts that exalt one group over another. Though Scripture affirms that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men” (Acts 17:26, KJV), sinful hearts reject this truth in favor of hierarchy and domination. Such beliefs reflect rebellion against divine order rather than cultural difference.

Fear is another inward plague that fuels sin. Fear of loss, fear of others, and fear of truth lead people to cling to control rather than trust God. Scripture teaches that “the fear of man bringeth a snare” (Proverbs 29:25, KJV). When fear governs the heart, obedience to God becomes secondary to self-preservation.

Hardness of heart is a recurring biblical warning. Pharaoh’s refusal to repent during the Egyptian plagues illustrates how repeated resistance to truth strengthens inner corruption (Exodus 7–11, KJV). A hardened heart becomes incapable of repentance, even in the face of suffering.

The sinful heart also manifests as spiritual blindness. Paul writes that the minds of unbelievers are darkened because of the blindness of their heart (Ephesians 4:18, KJV). This blindness prevents discernment, allowing evil to be rationalized and righteousness to be dismissed as foolishness.

Hypocrisy thrives in sinful hearts that prioritize appearance over transformation. Jesus rebuked religious leaders who honored God outwardly while their hearts remained far from Him (Matthew 15:8, KJV). Such hypocrisy damages faith communities and drives people away from truth.

Unchecked anger is another plague that takes root internally. While righteous anger exists, sinful anger seeks vengeance rather than justice. Scripture warns that “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20, KJV). Anger lodged in the heart becomes bitterness over time.

The sinful heart resists correction. Proverbs teaches that a fool despises instruction, while wisdom begins with humility (Proverbs 1:7, KJV). Resistance to correction ensures that destructive patterns continue unchecked, reinforcing cycles of harm.

Biblically, the ultimate consequence of a sinful heart is separation from God. Isaiah declares that sin creates a divide between humanity and the Creator (Isaiah 59:2, KJV). This separation is both spiritual and psychological, resulting in alienation, guilt, and restlessness.

Despite its severity, Scripture does not present the sinful heart as beyond repair. God promises, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26, KJV). This transformation is not cosmetic but regenerative, replacing corruption with obedience.

Christ’s ministry directly addressed the condition of the heart. Through repentance, faith, and submission to God’s will, individuals are invited into inward renewal. Jesus emphasized that purity begins internally, not through ritual but through surrender (Luke 11:39–40, KJV).

The healing of the sinful heart requires accountability, truth, and divine intervention. Psychological insight confirms that unexamined beliefs and unresolved trauma shape behavior, aligning with biblical teaching that inward change precedes outward reform (Beck, 1976).

Ultimately, the plagues of a sinful heart reveal humanity’s need for redemption rather than self-sufficiency. Scripture concludes that God alone can search and restore the heart (Psalm 51:10, KJV). Where sin once ruled internally, righteousness can reign—if the heart is willingly yielded.

References

The Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611). Various passages.

Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International Universities Press.

Augustine of Hippo. (397). Confessions. Translated editions.

Fanon, F. (1952). Black skin, white masks. Grove Press.

Wilkerson, I. (2020). Caste: The origins of our discontents. Random House.

Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.

Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The souls of Black folk. A. C. McClurg & Co.

Heart, Heart Issues of Man

Unseen Battles of the Heart

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There are wars we fight that no one can see—battles that rage within the quiet chambers of our hearts. Behind smiles and kind words, many carry invisible wounds, unspoken fears, and hidden struggles. The Most High sees beyond the outward appearance, peering into the soul where the true warfare lies. As 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) declares, “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” These unseen battles determine the direction of our lives and the condition of our faith.

When your spirit is aligned with the Most High, your life radiates peace, humility, and strength. A clean heart refuses to harbor bitterness, envy, or pride—it seeks forgiveness, purity, and love. A right spirit chooses to trust God even when life feels heavy, to walk in obedience even when it’s uncomfortable, and to extend kindness when it’s least deserved.

Every heart wrestles with its own demons—doubt, jealousy, pride, lust, bitterness, fear, or unforgiveness. These enemies cannot be fought with weapons of the flesh. They require spiritual discernment and the power of the Word. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV), “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” The fight for purity, peace, and righteousness begins within.

Sometimes the hardest battle is between who we are and who we are called to be. The spirit desires to please the Most High, yet the flesh craves comfort and control. Romans 7:19 (KJV) captures this struggle: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” The heart is the battlefield where obedience and rebellion constantly collide.

The unseen battles of the heart often reveal themselves through our attitudes and actions. A smile can hide resentment, generosity can mask guilt, and worship can coexist with worry. But the Most High desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6 KJV). He calls His children to surrender, not just their hands and lips, but their hearts.

These battles are exhausting because they are fought in silence. No one sees the tears shed in prayer, the sleepless nights of conviction, or the weight of spiritual warfare. Yet God sees. Psalm 34:18 (KJV) comforts us: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” He draws near to those who are fighting unseen wars with faith and humility.

There is power in acknowledging the battle. Many live in denial, wearing masks to hide their struggles. But healing begins with honesty. When David confessed his sin and pain to God, he found restoration. Psalm 51:10 (KJV) pleads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” The battle becomes winnable when you stop hiding and start surrendering.

A heart unchecked can easily drift into darkness. Envy turns to hatred, pain turns to pride, and desire turns to idolatry. That is why Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) warns, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The heart determines your destiny, and whoever or whatever controls it controls you.

Many of us battle between faith and fear. We trust God with our words but doubt Him in our thoughts. Fear whispers lies that contradict His promises. The remedy is faith rooted in the Word. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) assures us, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Peace is the victory prize of the heart that trusts fully in the Most High.

Some unseen battles come from wounds of the past. Old betrayals, family pain, or childhood trauma can shape our thoughts and emotions. The enemy uses these scars to create strongholds of shame. But the blood of Yahshua (Christ) heals and restores. Psalm 147:3 (KJV) declares, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” No pain is beyond the reach of divine healing.

The heart also battles against pride—a silent destroyer that blinds us to our need for God. Pride disguises itself as confidence but produces separation from the Spirit. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) warns, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” A humble heart, on the other hand, invites divine favor and grace.

Temptation begins in the heart long before it manifests in action. James 1:14 (KJV) explains, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” The battle is won when we resist temptation at its root—when we choose holiness over impulse and prayer over pleasure.

Forgiveness is another unseen battle. Many hearts are heavy because of resentment. Unforgiveness becomes a prison that holds both the offender and the offended captive. Matthew 6:14 (KJV) teaches, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” To release others is to release yourself.

Loneliness and rejection are spiritual battles too. The heart aches for love, understanding, and acceptance. But God’s love is enough to fill every void. Romans 8:38–39 (KJV) assures us that nothing can separate us from His love. The woman or man who rests in that truth will never again be defined by abandonment.

There are also battles of identity—the war between who society says you are and who God says you are. The enemy tries to distort your purpose through confusion and comparison. But 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) reminds you that you are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” Victory comes when you embrace your divine identity.

Bitterness, if left unchecked, poisons the heart. It begins as pain and evolves into spiritual decay. Hebrews 12:15 (KJV) warns, “Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” To win this battle, you must allow God to uproot what’s toxic and plant what’s pure.

Even believers who seem strong outwardly can be weary inwardly. The weight of spiritual responsibility, emotional pain, or unanswered prayers can create inner turmoil. But Galatians 6:9 (KJV) encourages, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The Most High rewards the heart that keeps fighting.

Sometimes, the unseen battle is not about sin but about faithfulness. It’s the struggle to remain hopeful when the promise seems delayed, to keep loving when love is not returned, to keep praying when heaven feels silent. Yet faith grows stronger in these hidden wars. The Most High refines His soldiers in secret before revealing them in glory.

Victory begins when you let God take control of your heart. Psalm 139:23–24 (KJV) says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” The surrendered heart is the victorious heart.

The unseen battles of the heart are not fought alone. The Holy Spirit is your strength, your counselor, and your comforter. Through prayer, fasting, and faith, you gain divine power to overcome what flesh cannot. Philippians 4:7 (KJV) promises, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So, beloved, guard your heart. Lay your burdens before the Most High and allow Him to wage war on your behalf. Every battle you fight in secret, He sees. Every tear you shed in silence, He counts. The heart that belongs to God may be wounded, but it will never be defeated.

References
Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611). 1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Romans 7:19; Psalm 51:6, 10; Psalm 34:18; Proverbs 4:23; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 147:3; Proverbs 16:18; James 1:14; Matthew 6:14; Romans 8:38–39; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 12:15; Galatians 6:9; Psalm 139:23–24; Philippians 4:7.

Heart Issues of Man, sin, Toxic

The Effects of Corruption, Toxic Attachment, and Mental Rehearsal.

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Corruption, toxic attachment, and mental rehearsal are deeply interconnected phenomena that can shape the trajectory of an individual’s life, relationships, and moral compass. When corruption is understood not merely as a systemic or political problem but as a personal moral compromise, it becomes clear how it can infiltrate one’s character and relationships. Toxic attachment, on the other hand, is the psychological and emotional tethering to harmful people or cycles, which keeps individuals bound in dysfunctional relational patterns. Mental rehearsal—when misused—becomes the stage where these toxicities play out repeatedly in the mind, reinforcing negative cycles. Together, these elements create a feedback loop that perpetuates emotional bondage and spiritual decline.

Corruption at the personal level is often the seedbed for other destructive dynamics. Corruption begins as a small compromise—justifying a lie, excusing exploitation, or pursuing selfish gain at the expense of others. Over time, these moral breaches distort one’s sense of right and wrong. Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) admonishes believers to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” If the heart is corrupted, so too are the relationships, decisions, and behaviors that flow from it. This corruption can erode empathy, making individuals more prone to exploit others and remain entangled in destructive attachments.

Toxic attachment develops when emotional bonds are fused with pain, fear, or dependency. Psychologists define toxic attachment as an insecure relational style that is sustained by cycles of intermittent reward and punishment (Bowlby, 1982; Levine & Heller, 2010). In these dynamics, individuals may feel unable to leave a harmful relationship despite knowing it is damaging. This is because the attachment system is activated not only by love and safety but also by fear of abandonment and rejection. Corrupted thinking reinforces these attachments, convincing the person that leaving is impossible or that suffering is necessary to maintain love.

The intersection between corruption and toxic attachment is particularly insidious. A corrupted sense of self can normalize mistreatment, manipulation, or abuse. Individuals may come to believe they deserve poor treatment, or they may become complicit in toxic cycles to maintain a semblance of belonging. Spiritually, this can be seen as a form of idolatry—placing another person or the relationship above God’s standard for holiness and dignity (Exodus 20:3). Toxic attachments, then, are not merely emotional struggles but also spiritual entanglements that require discernment and deliverance.

Mental rehearsal is one of the most underestimated forces in this cycle. In psychology, mental rehearsal is often described as the cognitive practice of imagining or replaying actions in one’s mind to improve performance (Driskell et al., 1994). However, when applied to toxic attachments, mental rehearsal becomes rumination—replaying arguments, imagining future interactions, or fantasizing about reconciliation or revenge. These mental loops strengthen neural pathways that keep the attachment active and the corruption alive. In this way, mental rehearsal can serve as a form of self-conditioning that locks individuals into unhealthy emotional states.

The effects of prolonged toxic attachment are profound. Emotionally, individuals may experience anxiety, depression, loss of identity, and chronic stress (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2016). Physiologically, these emotional states can dysregulate cortisol levels and compromise immune function (Sapolsky, 2004). Spiritually, toxic attachments can distract from prayer, impair discernment, and lead to rebellion against God’s will. They become a form of bondage that can only be broken through intentional renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2).

Corruption intensifies the impact of toxic attachment by distorting one’s moral framework. When one’s ethical boundaries have been compromised, the tolerance for toxicity increases. What would normally be seen as unacceptable—such as betrayal, emotional abuse, or manipulation—becomes justified or even romanticized. Over time, this normalizes dysfunctional patterns and can perpetuate generational cycles of relational dysfunction, as children model what they witness.

The role of mental rehearsal in sustaining these cycles cannot be overstated. Neuroscience has shown that the brain responds to imagined experiences similarly to real ones, firing similar neural pathways (Jeannerod, 1994). This means that when individuals continuously imagine interactions with toxic partners, they are essentially strengthening emotional bonds that they may consciously wish to break. In a corrupted mental state, mental rehearsal becomes a tool of self-sabotage.

Breaking free from corruption and toxic attachment requires conscious cognitive and spiritual effort. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes the importance of recognizing thought patterns and restructuring them to align with reality (Beck, 2011). Spiritually, repentance and forgiveness are key components in cleansing the conscience and restoring moral clarity (1 John 1:9). Together, these tools allow the individual to dismantle the internal corruption that feeds toxic bonds.

Another critical step is learning to redirect mental rehearsal. Instead of replaying pain or rehearsing harmful scenarios, individuals can practice rehearsing new, healthy responses. This is a biblical concept as well—Philippians 4:8 (KJV) urges believers to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. This mental discipline rewires the brain toward hope and healing rather than fear and dysfunction.

The process of detaching from toxic relationships can be painful, as it requires both emotional grief and spiritual surrender. Psychologists note that breaking an attachment bond can trigger withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced in addiction (Fisher, 2004). The corrupted mind may resist this detachment because it equates leaving with failure or loss of identity. Yet, it is precisely this suffering that becomes the path toward liberation.

Healing from corruption and toxic attachment also involves developing a new identity rooted in truth and self-respect. This includes setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and building healthy community ties. Healthy relationships provide corrective emotional experiences that teach individuals what safe love looks like (Herman, 1992). Without this reorientation, the vacuum left by detachment can easily be filled by another toxic attachment.

Spiritually, prayer and fasting can be powerful tools to break the strongholds of toxic attachments. Jesus taught that some spiritual entanglements only come out by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). This aligns with the idea that breaking free is not merely psychological but also spiritual warfare. Deliverance from corruption requires a transformation of both heart and mind.

Another dimension is forgiveness—not necessarily reconciliation but the release of bitterness. Holding on to resentment perpetuates mental rehearsal of pain and keeps the wound open. Forgiveness interrupts this cycle and allows emotional energy to be redirected toward growth (Worthington, 2006). This act is as much for the individual’s freedom as it is for the offender.

On a communal level, addressing corruption and toxic attachments has ripple effects. Healthy individuals create healthy families and communities. This is why collective moral renewal is necessary to combat systemic corruption. When society tolerates exploitation, abuse, and moral compromise, it normalizes dysfunction on a larger scale. Healing at the personal level contributes to the healing of the wider culture.

Ultimately, the goal is integration: aligning thought life, moral values, and emotional attachments with what is life-giving. This requires continual vigilance because corruption can subtly re-enter through small compromises. Toxic attachments can also resurface during moments of loneliness or vulnerability. Ongoing mental discipline and spiritual renewal are therefore essential.

Education about the psychology of attachment, corruption, and mental rehearsal can empower individuals to recognize destructive patterns early. Churches, schools, and communities can play a role by offering resources on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and spiritual formation. These interventions can prevent cycles of corruption and toxic attachment from repeating in the next generation.

In conclusion, corruption, toxic attachment, and mental rehearsal form a triad that can hold individuals hostage in emotional, spiritual, and psychological bondage. Breaking free requires a comprehensive approach that includes cognitive restructuring, spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and practical boundary-setting. As the mind is renewed and the heart is purified, individuals regain the clarity to choose life-giving attachments and to reject the corruption that once held them captive.

References

  • Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment (2nd ed.). Basic Books.
  • Driskell, J. E., Copper, C., & Moran, A. (1994). Does mental practice enhance performance? Journal of Applied Psychology, 79(4), 481–492.
  • Fisher, H. (2004). Why we love: The nature and chemistry of romantic love. Henry Holt.
  • Herman, J. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
  • Jeannerod, M. (1994). The representing brain: Neural correlates of motor intention and imagery. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 17(2), 187–245.
  • Levine, A., & Heller, R. (2010). Attached: The new science of adult attachment and how it can help you find – and keep – love. TarcherPerigee.
  • Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers: The acclaimed guide to stress, stress-related diseases, and coping (3rd ed.). Holt Paperbacks.
  • Worthington, E. L. (2006). Forgiveness and reconciliation: Theory and application. Routledge.