Dealing with Bitterness and Unforgiveness: Forgiveness Is a Process
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Forgiveness is not easy. However, we must choose to forgive-with Jesus' help-if we are ever to move on and accept our present circumstances, to grow in and through them.
The only way to deal effectively with feelings of bitterness or unforgiveness is to take them to Jesus. This may sound simplistic and unrealistic. However, if we refuse to forgive just because we don't think we can, we are not considering the power of God in the equation.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT
Consider this …
Letting go of bitterness and unforgiveness is seldom a onetime episode-it is more often a process. But we must be willing to take that first step. The number of times we will have to return to Jesus and release the offender and the bitterness usually depends on the degree of the hurt and how long it has simmered. However, the process will work because Jesus has promised he will give us the power and the ability to begin and complete the process.
Are you harboring unforgiveness? Have you believed forgiveness is impossible? Open your eyes today to the truth. With Christ, it is possible. Perhaps you cannot do it overnight, but why not begin the process right now by asking Jesus to help you?
Prayer
Father, I was hurt so badly I have always felt I could never forgive. When others have urged me to forgive, I felt as though they didn't understand. But I realize you do understand, and I believe I can forgive, with your help. Please forgive me for the bitterness and help me begin the process of forgiveness now. In Jesus' name . . .
©Living Free 2024. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
