FREEDOM IN FORGIVENESS
As a breakthrough coach, I teach clients a giant step to spiritual maturity is overcoming bitterness and resentment. You can’t forgive when you have bitterness and resentment in your heart. I devote a lot of time to this one area with my clients.
POISON
In Ephesians 4:31-32 is says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.”
Bitterness and resentments are poisons that destroy our lives. We have all been hurt or caused hurt to someone else. When we get hurt, we want to retaliate and hurt them for hurting us, but we usually end up hurting other people in the process. We all know the saying, “Hurt people, hurt people.” We see it played out daily in our lives and on T.V.
Sadly, we can become the thing we dislike in someone else if we do not forgive and let go of bitterness and resentment. People who have been cheated on, usually cheat on others. If we have been abused, we could possibly abuse others. When we are bitter, it can move into hate, which is akin to a heart to murder someone out of anger. And that is not a stretch. Just listen to the news.
I have heard this story over and over while serving the domestic violence community. Hate is a very strong emotion, and I cringe when I hear it come out of anyone’s mouth. It can be towards others or themselves. It is a dangerous area to be in and can lead to suicide. I know, I have been there myself.
I am a firm believer that our pain is 90% self-inflicted as a result of the things that have happened to us and around us. We should look at our motives for wanting people in our lives and if they are healthy. We can attract the wrong people because our motives are selfish. Even when they are pure, we still may need to heal from the past pain and unresolved issues. Then we can learn to be happy alone and love ourselves, so we can love others around us.
RELEASE AND OVERCOME
Those who are walking with God have been given the authority to set yourself free and release yourself from bitterness and pain. Allowing the injustice of others causes you to miss out on God’s best plans for you. I know first-hand how hard this is. I’ve cried many tears into my pillow until I thought it would float away. I deeply understand disappointment, pain and struggling to forgive myself and others that have hurt me. Walking around angry and bitter causes you to live in pain daily. You will not reap happiness and peace that way.
The great news here is at any age we can forgive ourselves and others who have hurt us. If I can do it, so can you.
NEXT WEEK I WILL SHARE THE 10 WAYS TO GET RID OF BITTERNESS AND ANGER THAT HAS BEEN BUILT UP FOR YEARS.
Kindly,
Terri