Bitterness is one of the most destructive
forces we can ever hold in our hearts. It eats away at our very core, stealing
our joy. Bitterness can actually bring about physical illness. It causes
division, ends relationships, and is just plain miserable. It doesn’t make any
sense to hang on to it, yet so many people do. How do we begin to let go of
bitterness?
At the very root of bitterness is unforgiveness. We’ve all
experienced hurt at one time or another. Some wounds are small and shallow.
Some wounds are big and deep. If we are quick to attend to the wound, then healing
can begin. Forgiveness promotes healing. But, if we hang on to the hurt or
offense, then the wound won’t heal. Unforgiveness keeps us from healing.
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “Unforgiveness is like eating rat poison and
then waiting for the rat to die.” It only hurts us. It doesn’t change the
situation or the one who caused the pain. If we want to let go of bitterness,
then we need to forgive.
Forgiveness does not relieve the other person of
responsibility or justify the situation. Choosing to forgive means that you will
no longer live as a victim. You will no longer allow that pain and hurt to
control your life. Yes, it is challenging. Life is full of injustices. However,
we punish ourselves when we refuse to forgive. Thankfully we don’t have to rely
on our own power. God’s grace is more than enough to help us through these
situations. We can turn to Him in our time of need.
Are you harboring areas of unforgiveness in your heart? Do
you have some roots of bitterness that need to be removed? Choose forgiveness
and start letting go of bitterness today!
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, as God in Christ forgave you.” ~Ephesians 4:32
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