Because forgiveness is such a part of Who God is, and the way He has designed life, one deep need we have is to guard against roots of bitterness.
Hebrews 12.12-17
“Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
Pursue peace with all men, and the holy choices without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.”
Check out this quote from my book Curious Journey: https://mycuriousjourney.com
“Bitterness is a cruel master, laying her claim upon the one embittered much more than the one who has done the abusing. If you have been trapped by the bitterness which comes from not forgiving, Jesus is the ultimate deliverer from this kind of heart-breaking bondage.
When Jesus died He forgave disappointment, betrayal, and huge personal loss. He set the gold standard for achieving the wonderful gift of personal peace through God’s gift of forgiveness.
“Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34
Forgiveness is the only way we can heal the root. For those of us who feel we have been forgiven much – we must extend the same grace to those around us. This is the only way we can be truly free. And isn’t freedom what you really crave?
Chow for now.
Dave
Forgiveness video: https://engagegod.com/forgiveness/
Forgiveness study: Forgiveness