Advance: Living Unstuck & Moving Forward in FaithSample

Day 8: From Bitterness to Forgiveness:
Our hearts are like soil and the Word is like a seed. In order for the Word to grow and bear fruit, we have to pull weeds of resentment, bitterness, and offense so they don’t choke the good things from growing. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In the book of Hebrews, the Bible describes bitterness as a root that we must keep from springing up and growing.

In order for us to advance in our walk with God and in the purpose He has for our lives, we have to let go of hurt, bitterness, and offense. It is especially easy during seasons of crisis to get offended. The Bible even says that many will be offended in the last days. Jesus said in Mark 11:25 (NLT), “When you stand praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Our prayers can be hindered when we choose not to forgive.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) reminds us that we should continually be “forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” You may feel you have the right to hold bitterness, but the price you will pay is not worth it for yourself, your children, or even your health. It only hurts you and it’s a burden that the enemy uses to keep you from advancing into all God has for you.

Think about it—how far could you advance if you were UN-offendable? Forgiveness is a choice. Love is a choice.

Can you think of a situation that you have not forgiven? If so, take a moment to recall and pray a prayer of forgiveness. Ask God for His grace to forgive and trust Him to be your vindicator. Freedom comes when you forgive!