Be free!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. — Ephesians 4:31-32

Bitterness and anger are heavy weights to carry. They rob you of the freedom that’s yours to enjoy through Jesus Christ. And they keep you from sharing His love with others.

It’s like the woman who was bitten by a rabid dog and told she had only days to live. The doctor suggested she put her final affairs in order, so the woman took out some paper and began writing furiously.

She wrote and wrote and wrote. Finally, after hours had passed, the doctor said, ‘That sure is a long will you’re making.’ The woman snorted and replied, ‘Will, nothing! I’m making a list of all the people I’m going to bite!’

Are you carrying the weight of bitterness and anger today?

Be free of it. Don’t lose one more second working on your list of grievances against others. You’ve been rescued from that trap through the Gospel. And now it’s your privilege to live in the freedom of Jesus Christ.

So walk in the grace of God’s forgiveness today. And freely offer that same grace to others. You’ll be glad you did!

Prayer Challenge

If you’ve held onto bitterness and anger against others, ask God for forgiveness and for the grace to let Him have your pain. Pray also that you can show others the same grace He’s shown you.

Questions for thought

Who are some people in your life that you need to show grace to?

What could you do today to show them the love of God?