“Resentment kills a fool.” (Job. 5:2); “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Heb. 12:15); “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. (Eph. 4:31-32)
Lord Jesus, the commands in these Scriptures remind us that disappointments, frustrations, and offenses are inevitable in life, until your return. Thus, the need to treat resentment and bitterness like invasive weeds, a poisonous attitude, and lethal spirit. The Gospel is the only precaution, antidote, healing, and power for our vulnerable hearts.
Jesus may the Gospel more defining than our pain, and much sweeter than the desire for revenge. By your Word and Spirit, and the gift of good friends, keep our hearts from becoming gardens of resentment and bushes of bitterness. Make our hearts grace-gardens. Help us when we are most weak, and when the temptation to medicate our pain foolishly feels irresistible.
Instead, write stories of redemption and restoration with the pen of our hurts and the ink of your grace. Give us quick repentances when we’re too easily provoked by normal stuff in a broken world. And bring us supernatural deliverance when the attacks are contemptuous, evil—even demonic.
As we have been forgiven by Abba, help us even want to forgive others. Then give us the power to do so. Jesus, replenish, then fill our hearts with your love, compassion, and kindness. So Very Amen.