Super Simple Yet Effective Exercise to Let Go of Bitterness and Forgive Today
Be Set Free by Letting Go of Bitterness and Unforgiveness
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:15
As we reviewed some of the few bible verses about forgiveness in our last post, I wanted to touch more on bitterness and forgiveness. When we refuse to forgive others, it gives way to anger and bitterness. It may be hard within the flesh to forgive and let go of bitterness, but that’s why we have the Holy Spirit within us to help and guide us! Pray for God to reveal to you any unforgiveness or bitterness you may be holding onto.
Write it Down
When doing this, you may automatically have a few people come to mind. I feel most people know who they are holding onto hurt and anger towards but struggle with letting go. I suggest writing it down. Write down the names and how they’ve hurt you along with a Bible verse of how God says we should forgive.
Sometimes we just need to write it down, get it out, and let it go. We need to move on with our lives and be truly joyful. Some people I know still speak bitterly about something that happened 10 years ago! Think about how much unhappiness this has brought their lives and how it has changed their mentality towards people.
Give it to God
God will handle those who have hurt you. You don’t have to hold onto it, God hasn’t forgotten it, so you can! Give it to God. Don’t have a mentality of, “I’m going to get even and pay them back”. Take that paper where you have written down all those who have hurt you and pray to God something like this:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for your grace and mercy. I ask for your forgiveness as I have been holding onto so much hurt and bitterness towards these people. You call us in your word to forgive and not allow bitterness to take root. I am giving this to you Lord. I know you take anything meant for my harm and turn it for my good. I know any trial I have faced has only strengthened me to be able to serve you better. Thank you for taking all of this bitterness and unforgiveness from my heart in this moment.
Amen
Then, take the paper, shred it, or get a helium balloon to tie it to and let it go. As it drifts away just allow all of that bitterness and unforgiveness to go with it. Sometimes as humans in the flesh, we need a symbolic way of letting go. Exercises like this can help us see that it’s going away. Feel the weight that’s been lifted? Good! God wants you to feel free and at peace.
Memorize Scripture
Be prepared and have scripture memorized if that unforgiveness and bitterness tries to creep back in. If the enemy can keep you bitter and angry you’re not as efficient in ministering. It keeps you focused more on that person, the past, and the hurt, instead of your walk with God. God wants you to have peace. The enemy doesn’t. So if or when those thoughts start to try to creep back in immediately quote scripture to yourself. Don’t give way to those thoughts even for a moment.
Check out the Dayspring link below to find some amazing resources to help you grow in your faith. There’s a beautiful devotional bible that’s paired with a mug that’s a great gift set for yourself, or a friend for this Easter season. What better way to help the person who hurt you than to give them a Godly gift to let them know you love and forgive them through Christ.
Otherwise, continue scrolling for the conclusion of our forgiveness journey!
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Be Obedient
Bitterness can change your heart and hurt your walk with God. Forgiveness helps us and our walk with God. When you forgive someone it’s about you and your walk. You forgive and let go of bitterness because our God tells you to! It’s about being obedient to the father, not about the other person. I think you’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel letting it all go.
Unfortunately, when you are holding onto unforgiveness it’s only hurting you. Usually, the person you’re withholding forgiveness has likely moved on long ago and doesn’t think twice about it. But you, you’re holding onto it with pent-up anger and becoming more bitter and allowing it to affect you in more ways than you may even realize.
Be Angry, but Do Not Sin
Each day we are to be Christ-like. The bible says in Ephesians not to let the sun go down on your anger. Getting angry is a part of being human, but be angry and do not sin! Easier said than done, but nothing good ever comes easy. Once you get to the finish line it will all be worth it.
Ephesians 4:26
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.
God Sees your Pain
When we hold onto bitterness and unforgiveness we are trying to take vengeance for ourselves. Staying in a mentality of trying to pay someone back or putting up walls saying that you’ll never let someone hurt you like this again is only hurting you. Give it to God. He will deliver you. God sees everything. He sees your hurt, your pain, and your frustrations. Leave the judgment to Him.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
Be Kind. Be Tenderhearted. Be Forgiving.
The Bible calls us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you in Ephesians. We need to let go of bitterness and anger and forgive how Christ has forgiven us. When judgment day comes we want all of our sins to be forgiven. Don’t allow someone else’s sins to hurt your walk with God. Keep your mind on things from above.
Things May Not Go The Way You’d Expect. Trust God!
When you pray for God to help you to let go of unforgiveness and bitterness, don’t think it will come overnight. Don’t be surprised if things may seem to get worse and more hurts come your way. Stay positive through the midst of the valley. God is always with you!
Have you ever wondered why when you pray for patience, it seems like you hit every traffic jam? It seems no matter where you go to get food it takes twice the usual time? God will continue allowing you to be put in these situations until finally you let go, give it to God and have some patience, or in this case forgiveness!
Reflection:
When we pray for things it’s not going to come in the way we want or may expect. But, that’s the amazing thing about having a wonderful and loving father that cares for you and loves you. He knows what is best for us, even if we can’t see it at the time. God wants you to have a life full of joy and peace. We can only have that by allowing Him to live through us and by getting ourselves out of the way. I pray this has helped and encouraged you to forgive someone today. Leave a comment below about any helpful tips in how you’ve conquered unforgiveness and bitterness in your life.
