And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
It is very difficult, at times, to forgive others. Sometimes we hold
tightly to our anger, until bitterness overtakes our hearts. Even if the
deed seems unforgivable, could it possible be that we have become quite
comfortable and attached to the negative feelings. When we are offended,
or hurt we can’t change the heart of the offender, but we can trust in
God and His ability to change our heart, and to deal with theirs. We
have a choice to either forgive, turning all of our anger, and negative
thoughts over to God, allowing Him to heal and mend the situation, or to
cling to those feelings as if they were a dear friend. It doesn’t matter
what happens to the one who offended us, because once we place it in
God’s hands we are free from carrying the load. We are no longer bogged
down, and can experience fullness of joy. It is a waste of time to carry
around emotional baggage, whether it is from the present, or the past.
We can hold onto bitterness, but will soon be surprised to discover that
it has a much greater hold on us.
Prayer
Forgive me for holding on to bitterness. I make a choice today to
release my anger and hurt into Your hands. Help me to let go and trust
in Your ability to change my heart, as well as the one who has offended
me. I am continually in need of Your mercy and forgiveness, help me to
extend the same love, mercy, and forgiveness to others, so that I will
be free to walk in Your love and experience the fullness of Your joy.
Amen.
