Letting Go of Bitterness 2016.10.02
From time to time, we are let down, and sometimes hold onto things that we can't seem to let go of.
Bitterness starts off small but it doesn't take much for it to burrow into our hearts. We even replay it in our minds, refreshing the frustration or pain. We may even tell our story of hurt to any available listener, every sordid detail.
We interpret the offense as "intentional" and look for reasons to dislike our offender. With each unresolved minute, we develop another layer of bitterness.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
We all know what God wants from us, and yet for some of us, it's extremely difficult to live at peace w\a specific someone. Our bitterness is an indicator our of inability to forgive. And yet, we must forgive because we are forgiven. This took me decades to just learn and begin to apply in my own life.
Irregardless of our excuse in "holding onto our bitterness", Jesus clearly understood. He was perfec and yet was beaten, mocked, spit on & crucified to die a cruel death. And yet He loved us enough to go through this. He died not only for us disciples, but also for the non-believers, even the ones who hate or don't believe in Him. Do those people deserve it? No, and yet Jesus forgives them of that. Do we deserve his gift? No, and yet Jesus forgives us of that as well. And yet, we are unable to forgive others from minor offenses?
When we can't\won't forgive, we take our eyes from God and focus them just upon ourselves. When we cry out, "God, they need to pay for this!", and He always replies in a gentle way, "I paid it." In times like these, we need to take our eye from our hurt and remember what God has already done for all of us.
