White Knuckles

When you’ve been hurt by someone you loved and trusted, hurt can easily turn to anger. If left untreated, anger turns to bitterness. Holding on tight to bitterness is like holding on tightly to a heavy weight. The longer you hold the weight, the heavier it feels. You find yourself with white knuckles, holding on to offense for dear life.

What would it be like to let go of the past? After all, if you let go and give it to God, aren’t you just letting the person get away with hurting you? Shouldn’t the person have to pay for the hurt they caused? Why should they be allowed to get away with offending?

In Ephesians, we are told to let it go. Let go of the hurt. Let go of the anger. Let go of the offense. Let go of the weight. 

Not only do we need to let it go, we also need to be kind and compassionate. Wow! That seems tough! How can we show kindness and compassion to someone who has caused hurt? In Luke we are told to do good, bless, and pray.

The Bible, God’s instruction book, doesn’t give instruction without The Holy Spirit giving the ability to follow through. The first step is to say it out loud. “I forgive.” When we say the words out loud, the rest will follow. Isn’t it time to let go? Don’t let bitterness become a noose around your neck!

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

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28