CWW Week 42 - Bitterness - Day 7
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Devotional: “Bitterness and the Power of Forgiveness”
Key Verse:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV)
Forgiveness. It’s one of the most powerful, yet difficult things we’re called to do as followers of Christ. These words from Jesus, spoken during the Sermon on the Mount, cut deep: “If you forgive… your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you don’t…” That’s confronting. It shows just how seriously God takes forgiveness—and how dangerous bitterness really is.
Bitterness and un-forgiveness are often two sides of the same coin. When someone hurts us, betrays us, or deeply offends us, it’s natural to feel angry, to grieve, and to wrestle with what’s happened. But when we choose to hold onto that pain and replay it in our minds, it slowly hardens into bitterness. And bitterness becomes a prison—not for the one who wronged us, but for us.
Bitterness Chains the Heart
Bitterness is a slow, silent captor. It can live in us for years without being addressed, slowly poisoning our thoughts and our relationships. It affects the way we see people. It even impacts how we see God. Sometimes we start to think that because others failed us, God must have too.
Jesus doesn’t deny the pain that others cause us. He knows what it is to be wronged. He was mocked, betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, and killed. And yet from the cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them.” That’s not weakness—that’s power. The power of forgiveness is stronger than bitterness, and it leads to freedom.
Forgiveness Frees Us
When Jesus tells us to forgive, He isn’t adding a heavy burden to our lives. He’s offering us release. He’s not saying the hurt didn’t matter. He’s saying it doesn’t have to define you anymore.
Forgiveness is not forgetting. It’s not pretending the pain didn’t happen. It’s not about letting someone get away with it. Forgiveness is choosing to entrust the situation to God—the only One who truly sees all and judges justly. It’s saying, “I won’t let this offence control me anymore. I won’t let it shape who I become.”
Bitterness says, “They don’t deserve forgiveness.” And often, that’s true. But grace says, “Neither did we—and yet God forgave us.” That’s the heartbeat of the gospel. God’s mercy is not given to those who deserve it. It’s given to those who will receive it. And if we want to receive that mercy, we must extend it to others.
This is not an easy teaching. But it is a freeing one. Jesus ties our ability to forgive others directly to our experience of His forgiveness. That’s not because God is harsh or unforgiving—it’s because He knows bitterness destroys us, and He loves us too much to leave us in it.
The Process of Letting Go
Forgiveness isn’t always instant. Sometimes, it’s a daily choice. You might forgive someone today, and tomorrow the memory rushes back with fresh pain. Forgiveness means choosing—again and again—not to pick that wound back open. It means bringing the pain to God in prayer every time it rises.
Some wounds are deep. You may need to talk it through with a pastor, counsellor, or trusted Christian friend. That’s okay. God’s grace isn’t limited by how long it takes—you’re not failing if you struggle. The point is to keep moving toward healing, instead of settling into bitterness.
God promises to walk with you. He understands your wounds. And He offers peace that no human apology can give.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there someone you need to forgive—even if they’ve never apologised or acknowledged the hurt? What’s holding you back?
- Have you allowed bitterness to shape your words, thoughts, or attitude in ways you hadn’t realised? How is it affecting your relationship with God?
- What small step could you take today toward forgiveness—perhaps a prayer, a conversation, or even just releasing the person to God?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Sometimes I hold onto bitterness without even realising it. The hurt feels too big, the offence too deep. But I hear Your words, and I know You’re calling me to something better. I want to be free. I want to walk in Your grace, not in resentment or anger.
Please help me, Lord. I don’t always know how to forgive. But I know You do. You forgave me more than I’ll ever have to forgive anyone else. Teach me to release the hurt to You. Give me strength to let go, even when it’s hard.
Help me not to be controlled by bitterness, but to be filled with Your love. I trust that You are just, and You see what I’ve been through. Thank You that I don’t have to carry it alone.
I receive Your forgiveness today—and with Your help, I choose to forgive.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
