Bitterness

How is Bitterness linked to Forgiveness? Can it be so? If someone hurt us so bad we have a tendency to resent that person or take vengeance. Right? Even as Christians, we are sinful in nature but God however, has called us to forgive. Ouch! Jesus is our best example when He was on the cross and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.

Jesus did not wait to forgive those who mistreated Him. If that was the case, Jesus probably would be waiting for a very long time. The same thing is true for us. We CAN forgive FIRST and we don’t have to wait for an apology for what they did to you. We may be waiting a lifetime before we receive an apology. The offender may never admit that they are wrong or they may be blind, bitter, or straight out in denial for whatever reasons.

Reconciliation is not a Precursor

Another thing I want to say is why hold off on forgiveness for reconciliation to happen? Reconciliation is not a precursor or necessary in order for forgiveness to take place in our heart. Oh no! You see we can choose to forgive now. Forgiveness takes place deep within our heart that we can only do with Jesus. Isn’t Jesus our best example? I mean we shouldn’t depend on anyone else or put the responsibility on anyone else in order for us to forgive. Bitterness is like a sting bite. If you don’t take care of it then it will spread like wildfire and turn into an infection. It just gets ugly.

Bitterness in our hearts, if it stays there, can grow and grow. I am reminded of Ezekiel 36:26 and this scripture is a good scripture to pray over. “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.“

Of course, bitterness is something that can easily be masked and hidden in our hearts. We can hide it and stuff it down just like the unwanted memories but is it good for us? And how long will you hide or not deal with that bitterness? Do you think it will go away? Well it won’t go away on its own.

Somatic Manifestations

Bitterness can manifest itself into somatic forms such as insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, irritability, isolation, and many more. What is important to remember is through prayer God will guide you through forgiveness that will lead to releasing the bitterness and resentment? God is a God of restoration.

God does not want us to soak in a lake of bitterness and resentment. He has bigger plans for us and wants to see us take that first step of asking Him to forgive our sins and to help us let go of that bitterness and to ultimately forgive our offender just like Jesus did at the cross. The road to forgiveness is possible. Start with a little prayer and Jesus will guide you. Let’s say the person you need to forgive has already passed you can still have that peace of forgiveness.

God can still heal your heart. My offender has passed away and I wish I could have told him that I have forgiven him. I can’t change the past and I am not living in regret. Me forgiving my dad happened in the manner and timeline in which it did after my father’s death but I was able to forgive after finally dealing with the abuse. I am free and I have let go of that very thing that was keeping me sinking in my pain.

You can still have that inner peace and be an overcomer through Jesus when you forgive. That’s why reconciliation is not necessary nor does the offender have to be alive in order for forgiveness to happen. Letting go of that bitterness allows you to grieve, recover, and most of all trust in God to take you on a journey of healing and hope.

We all are sinners but we are saved by grace. So why not go on a journey with our great Lord and put your trust in Him. Lots of love my friends!