Forgiveness > Bitterness
It is often easier to hold a grudge or get pay back. It's our sinful nature when we find pleasure in getting revenge with those who have caused us hurt. Our world today tells us that revenge is okay and it is normal. On the other hand the faith tells us to forgive and show grace and mercy, but in whole honesty does one in the faith truly forgive? Because sin has entered the world we have the emotion of bitterness causing us to not forgive easily. Beth Moore has asked a great question in my devotion, "Has anger or bitterness stolen years of your life?" She goes on explaining that God does not say forgive when someone asks you for forgiveness, you naturally should just "Forgive" (Luke 6:37). Goodness gracious alive Jesus was asking the Lord to forgive the Romans crucifying Him. How mature is that? If there is one thing I have realized is, the more mature you become in your faith you find yourself asking God to forgive others for their mistakes as well as asking the Lord to ease your heart to forgive those who have desperately hurt you. Bitterness is such a waste of energy. "Forgiveness may be excruciating for a moment, but anger and bitterness are excruciating for a lifetime. (Beth Moore). I have no idea what you are going through or the pain that is evident in your life right now but I do know that the Lord has your best interest in heart and will deal with the consequences with those who have hurt you. Forgiveness is a beautiful action that is usually rare and hard to give away but in the end it will set you free. If we follow Christ's example then we will be set free. The pain and misery you are dealing with is only temporary if you simply forgive, if not, it will be attached to you for the rest of your days. I challenge you today to let go and let God, to forgive, or simply just pray that one day you will find the heart to forgive. Ultimately, God has the power to deal with the conflict in our lives. Allow yourself to walk in the freedom of His forgiveness.
One day you will find and feel that peace and comfort you having been longing, hoping, and praying for. Satan will try and place discouragement and rejection in your life once he senses you regaining a sense of hope. Do not let him! He will place thoughts in our head that forgiving someone who has hurt us is the wrong idea or give us the motive to become bitter again. But remember whether you are the victim or the predator: "We can still cry out to God for help even when we think we are getting what we deserve! Times of humiliation and persecution do not have to be permanent injuries" (Beth Moore). Often times when we are hurting it is hard to see the people around us that are their for our aid. With that being said, we become so focused on our circumstances that we do not notice the amount of people God has sent to encourage us. When we pray for the Lord to help us in times of sadness or trouble, He answers our prayers by sending people to comfort us.
If there is one thing I want to remember myself for my own life but also to tell all of you is:
"No matter what happens, no matter who rejects you or humiliates you, God will never betray you! Stay faithful, believer. You are on the winning team. The King of all kings will return and take His rightful throne" (Beth Moore).
I am grateful and He is gracious! Happy Day!
XO
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