NURSING BITTERNESS? FORGIVE THE OFFENDER!
Watch out that no bitterness takes root… for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many….Hebrews 12:15, TLB
Have you ever been offended? Hurt? Wounded? I’m sure you have. Do you find that remembering the person(s) involved floods you with bitterness and the desire to hurt back?
If you’re like me (a human being who can sin inadvertently and sometimes intentionally), you’ve no doubt also offended, hurt, and wounded someone else. Does that memory fill you with sorrow—or self-justification? Didn’t they deserve how you treated them? Weren’t they more at fault than you?
Learning to forgive and not let bitterness take root in our souls is one of the hardest parts of following Jesus.But it can and must be done.
Jesus is both our example, our teacher, and our source of power to forgive…
A parent who let you down and leaves you feeling permanently damaged
A spouse who can never be all you want
A child whose choices produce tears and fears in the night
A boss or co-worker who never affirms your hard work
A brother or sister in Christ with a critical, unloving spirit
A neighbor who is easily angered
A person who has betrayed your trust
The list could go on—and we can continue to nurse a bitter, judgmental, and unforgiving heart. But I don’t want to do this—and I’m believing you don’t either.
Jesus makes it clear:
Our bitterness must be dealt with. We must forgive – and not just once, but over and over if necessary.
Our bitterness affects others—it creates barriers, preventing healthy relationships.
Our bitterness is a sin, affecting our walk with God. He has forgiven us of far more!
To forgive is not to minimize the wrong done to you—it is to free YOU from the poison of resentment and hurt. Forgiveness is both an ACT and a PROCESS you must choose. It’s not easy, but with prayer and a heart that wants to please the Lord, you can have freedom! I hope these steps help you taste the freedom Jesus wants for you.
Ask for God’s help to forgive
Recall what happened and try to think about the facts calmly
Have empathy, attempting to understand why they acted as they did. So often, fear is the motivating factor.
Get perspective. Remember when you hurt someone who forgave you.
Record or share with a friend your commitment to forgive
When your old feelings come back, remind yourself that you forgave the person
I’d love to hear how God speaks to you, or ways you have been able to forgive!Blessings,
Thrive spiritually and
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