Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
We heard these verses in church Sunday. It was a nice reminder to exude the same kindness and mercy to others that Christ gives to us.
People aren’t always going to say or do things that we like, but it’s important to remember that we’ve done the same – more than a few times. God is still kind to us, so we should do our best to be kind to others.
‘It’ll clear the bitterness away, it can even set a prisoner free. There is no end to what its power can do. So let it go and be amazed by what you see through eyes of grace. The prisoner that it really frees is you. Forgiveness.’ -Matthew West
Seriously, some of the best song lyrics ever written. These words are so, so true. The power of forgiveness is incredible.
It’s hard to forgive sometimes. As people we seem to be programmed with this ‘me’ mentality and the thought of pardoning the flaws and errors of other people is not necessarily a natural one. After all, how could they do that to you? Right?
Well maybe but not if you look at things differently, and make that choice to let it go. You’ll be giving the other person the gift of being freed from your anger or bitterness. But just like the words above say, the prisoner that it really frees is you.
That chip on your shoulder that’s been getting bigger and bigger, the resentment that keeps you from experiencing joy, the time wasted being upset with people…all of that ends up hurting you more than anything.
So choose forgiveness today. Chances are there is someone you need to forgive right now. Go ahead, you can do it. Your life will be better for it, without a doubt.
It could be big or small, but someone just did something that hurt you. Careless words were said. A friend just cancelled plans with you, and it’s not the first time it’s happened. Your husband or wife is doing that one thing that really drives you nuts. Someone just failed to meet your expectations in some way. You got dumped. Someone cut you off in traffic. Your boss overlooked you for a promotion. It can be major or it can be minor, but the list goes on and on.
As I said before, you know the feeling when this stuff happens. Let me see if this covers it: sadness, anger, frustration, resentment, rejection, bitterness, and maybe even the tiniest desire to be spiteful or try to get some sort of revenge.
positively second 