The dangerous thing about unforgiveness and resentment is that it does more harm to us than the person we are holding those negative feelings against. I remember after a really ugly breakup when I was younger being so angry and really seeking the Lord for help about it. The Lord led me to James 1:20 which I memorized and said to myself every time that anger arose. The scripture says:
“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20 ESV)
I had to get to a point where my peace was more important than my desire to be angry and bitter. I had to trust God to bring about justice in His time and the way He saw fit and realize that this situation, as bad as it felt at the time, was not worth taking my peace hostage or hindering my relationship with God.
Sometimes we hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness to protect ourselves from more hurt, but unfortunately, in blocking out the perceived bad that may or may not happen, we harden our hearts to block out the good that God wants to bring into our lives.
Now I’m not saying to openly allow people to disrespect you and harm you in the name of forgiveness. Toxic people and relationships need to have very firm boundaries to honor your heart and the life God has given you. But you can forgive and let go, without having to enter or re-enter a toxic situation. So, take the matter to God, cast all our cares, anger, and bitterness on Him, and leave it there. Today, I encourage you to exchange bitterness for forgiveness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving me for my sins when you died on the cross. Please give me the strength and courage to forgive others and not hold onto bitterness so that I can walk in Your freedom. In Jesus’ name, amen.