Reading: Ephesians 4:31-32, 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
How do you find freedom from the bitterness which pollutes our lives? One single word: forgiveness. What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is…
- No longer being chained to the hurt.
- No longer using the wonderful gift of memory as a weapon
- No longer hurting others as we have been hurt.
- Never mentioning the offense again.
- Making yourself vulnerable and open to being hurt again
- Learning to live a life free from lingering pain.
True forgivers do not pretend they don’t suffer. They do not pretend the wrong does not matter much… you will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.
Where are you today? Christ has given his life in order for you to live freely. And true freedom gives others the same opportunity.
Really search your heart before God. First, spend some time thinking about the sacrifice that God has made to forgive you and the vast chasm that He filled with His forgiveness for you. Now, in what areas are you holding on to bitterness or a lack of forgiveness in your heart?
Who are the offenders that you are struggling to forgive?
Challenge: As God’s forgiveness for your lack of forgiveness up to this moment, attempt to somehow in a physical manner show your forgiveness that you have destroyed that bitterness and received freedom from it in Christ.
REVIEW
Were you able to forgive those who have wronged you, if so, what are some key points that helped you let go of the bitterness?
How were you able to demonstrate that forgiveness today?
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