Bitterness Affects Life

“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification 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.” Hebrews 12:14-15

A financial planning corporation was closed by officials after investors reported losing enormous sums. One retired investor lost his life savings - $200,000. Both he and his wife were forced into the work force to cover their living expenses. In an interview he remarked that his anger had not subsided, and he would remain mad “until the day I die.”

His bitterness not only will affect him, but it will impact those touched by his life. The venom of bitterness is contagious. A bitter man can infect his family; a bitter employee can communicate hostility to his fellow workers. That is what makes forgiveness so essential - regardless of the nature of the offense.

However cruel and unwarranted your pain may be, forgiveness based on Christ’s unconditional love is the most effective healing agent. For the sake of Christ, your sake, and the sake of those you love, choose by an act of your will to allow the Lord to forgive through you those who have mistreated either you or a loved one.

Christ won our forgiveness by dying on a cross. We forgive by dying to self and becoming an agent for agape love.

“...‘how often shall...I forgive him?’....‘up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22