BITTERNESS AND UNFORGIVENESS

GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT

Life is unfair, people will continue to hurt and offend us and external circumstances will challenge our very living, but... we must chose not to be offended.  It will require us many times to give up our right to be right.  

What Would Jesus Do? 

This should be a question we ask before we react or respond to anything.  

Don't Defile Yourself?

Hebrews 12:14-15(KJV)                                                                                                        Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Learn to Forgive

If you don't it will breed in the waters of bitterness.  It is the root that springs forth into large overgrown trees that causes many damages.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE COST OF UNFORGIVENESS

As you reflect on this topic answer the following:

• What valuable thing have you lost as a result of unforgiveness?
• What physical issues have you experienced as a result of bitterness?
• What Struggles are you experiencing with Bitterness/Unforgiveness?
• What scripts have you written or rehearse that's holding you in unforgiveness?

How difficult it is for you to apply the following scripture:

Which ones would come easy and which would you struggle with and why?

Romans 12:14-2(KJV)

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

• What Grudge do you bear?
• What Offense do you carry?

Here are some steps from Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver

• Make the Choice - Chose to forgive is an act of the will.  Make the decision to release and forgive those who have hurt you whether they deserve it or not. Remember God also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4: 32

• Find a Faithful Friend - Someone who will not side and tell you only what you want to hear or nurse your offense but points you to Jesus and forgive others his way.  Matthew 18: 15-17

• Bless, Don't Curse - Practice the art of blessing others.  It is part of your calling.  Do not repay evil for evil or tit for tat. Your willingness to dos so will allow you to inherit your blessing.   1 Peter 3: 9

• Keep No Records of Wrongs - Do not be an account -ant.  Don't tally up numbers After you have forgiven others wipe the slate clean.  Even when the thought try to come back and it appears that things have not changed you must make the choice not just to forgive and forget, but chose not to remember.  Hebrews 8: 12
• Bring It All to God - Don't be mad at God.  Admit your anger, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness.  "Hand God your diary of wrongs done to you." Pour out all of your heart.  He already knows.  So in actuality what you are doing is freeing yourself.  He is your refuge.  Psalm 62:8

Today, I ask that you search your mind, heart and spirit and bring all bitterness and unforgiveness to God in prayer, write down or confess every person, every thing and every matter, bring it out and delete it with the word.  Like a computer it's not just good enough to but it in the trash, but get rid of it so it is not in the recycle bin for easy reach.  

Remember, "Jesus is willing to pick up anything you are willing to lay down."

CHOOSE NOT TO BE OFFENDED and....

MAKE IT A PRIORITY TODAY TO ROOT OUT BITTERNESS!

God bless you and KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel