Are you Battling Bitterness?

Watch out that no bitterness takes root… for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many…. (Hebrews 12:15, TLB)

Do you long for freedom from the misery of bitter feelings?  From negative thoughts that drag you down. Or the memories of hurtful and untrue accusations? 

Does anyone of us get through life without some painful experiences with others?  I don’t know.  But I do know that Jesus experienced everything you have and that I have. 

Much as we  might not want to admit it, if you’re like me you’ve probably hurt, and maybe offended, others—often without meaning to or even realizing it. Sometimes hurtful memories of how we, or they, acted can fill us with sorrow—or, to be honest, we can angrily tell ourselves, Didn’t they deserve what I said or did? Weren’t they more at fault than me?

Whatever the truth is of these past (or current) encounters, only God knows.  But learning to forgive and refusing to let bitterness take root in our souls is something God knows we desperately need!

It is one of the hardest parts of following Jesus. But it can and must be done.

Jesus is both our example, our teacher, and our source of power to forgive…

• A parent who let you down and leaves you feeling permanently damaged.
• A spouse who can never be all you want
• A child whose choices produce tears and fears in the night.
• A boss or co-worker who never affirms your hard work.
• A brother or sister in Christ with a critical, unloving spirit
• A neighbor who is easily angered
• A person who has betrayed your trust.

The list could go on—and we can continue to nurse a bitter, judgmental, and unforgiving heart.  But I don’t want to do this—and I’m believing you don’t either.

Jesus makes it clear:

• Our bitterness must be dealt with. We must forgive – and not just once, but over and over if necessary. Matthew 18:21-22
• Our bitterness affects others—it creates barriers, preventing healthy relationships. Luke 15: 11-32
• Our bitterness is a sin, affecting our walk with God. He has forgiven us of far more! Colossians 3:12-17

To forgive is not to minimize the wrong done to us—it is to free us from the poison of resentment and hurt.  Forgiveness is both an ACT and a PROCESS we must choose. It’s not easy, but with prayer and a heart that wants to please the Lord, we can have freedom!

Here are some steps you can take to find freedom from the pain and resentment you might be feeling.  This is what Jesus longs for you to experience. If it’s too hard to even begin, let me help you one on one. Get in touch.

1. Ask for God’s help to forgive.
2. Recall what happened and try to think about the facts calmly.
3. Have empathy, attempting to understand why they acted as they did.
4. Get perspective. Remember when you hurt someone who forgave you.
5. Record or share with a friend your commitment to forgive.
6. When your old feelings come back, remind yourself that you forgave the person.

Having personally experienced hurt and wounding—the agony and shock of it—I’m here to help you through this process.  You can get in touch for a free and confidential phone call via my website: https://www.poppysmith/contact  

God can free you from Satan’s temptation to stay bitter. He can heal the hurt. I know.
 
With love,
Poppy