U is for Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness

“Regret makes you old and bitterness poisons the people around you.”  “Bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies from it.”  Just as a lack of thankfulness, unforgiveness can have dire consequences, particularly for the ones who call themselves Christians.  What follows comes straight from a devotional I did for a youth trip two years ago.  For this to work, you will need to follow along by reading Bible passages and making observations on your own.

Read Matt 18:21-35

Our willingness to forgive others directly affects how God forgives.

Read Matt 6:14-15

Read Matt 5:23-26

Forgiveness is a very powerful thing and unforgiveness is damaging and crippling.

Can you think of anyone who has done something to hurt you, whether it be intentional or not intentional?  Have you forgiven them?

Is there anyone that you have hurt that you need to ask for forgiveness from?

Whether you have someone to forgive or to ask for forgiveness, I challenge you to make an effort to go to them in person and make it right.  Walking in forgiveness is commanded, which means it’s a choice, not a feeling.  Will you choose to be obedient to the One who forgave you?

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

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