Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. ---1 Peter 5:7
There is no doubt that the medical field has proven that when we harbor bitterness and unforgiveness, our bodies break down physically. Arthritis, lupus, TMJ, cancer, coronary heart disease, cysts and even drug addiction are the result of holding on to mental torment when we have or feel we have been the victim through words or deeds.
Regardless of who hurt you through words, actions or both, there is a Father in Heaven that wants to take on that hurt for you. It is our carnal (human) nature to want to take revenge against those who hurt us and Jesus knew that. During His ministry on earth, there were a couple times that He addressed the need to forgive those who offended us.
First, Jesus shared with the disciples how to pray. In Matthew 6:12, the model prayer, forgiveness is an important part. He wanted us to ask God to forgive us as we forgive those who hurt us. Here is what the Amplified Bible says: “And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven (left, remitted and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.” The word debt refers to something owed or an obligation. A debtor is someone who owes, a person indebted, a delinquent, a transgressor.
Another time, Jesus was talking about receiving anything you ask when you pray, however there was a condition! Have you prayed expecting God to provide for you and it not answered? You might take a look at Mark 11: 25 & 26. It says, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
That’s a pretty harsh reality, but it is God’s law. We must forgive those who have hurt us before God can answer our prayers. Another thing we must be aware of is we can also take on other peoples offenses and become bitter and unforgiving because of the hurt a relative or friend has experienced. This is a trap the enemy of your soul sets for us. Don’t step into it! If you are nursing someone else’s wound, ask God to forgive you and turn it over to Him and let it go. The same goes for your own wounds.
It is easier said than done to let go of unforgiveness. There are some egregious acts that have been perpetrated on children that have grown into bitter adults. And for good reason! But there is a wonderful solution. Romans 12:19 tells us “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.’”
The God that created the universe is also the God that created you. He never intended for you to have experienced the horror or unsolicited actions or words that have impacted you, but as I have written in previous blogs there are many reasons things happen that were not your fault. Regardless, God loves you and wants you to step into the peace and wholeness that is intended for every believer.
Don’t you think that if God can speak life into man and this world, that He can take care of the person(s) who hurt you? He knows how best to take revenge on your behalf better than you.
When we nurse bitterness and unforgiveness within ourselves, it doesn’t impact the person you’re angry at, but it does impact your mind, body and spirit. As I wrote in the beginning, it will make your body sick; perhaps sick unto death and it wasn’t God’s plan for you at all! The apostle Peter wrote us how to release your burden, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” The word care means distractions, anxieties, burdens and worries.” Unforgiveness and bitterness certainly falls in that category. Also the word cast means to literally throw with all your might.
So, today, don’t wait another minute, don’t bear this burden another day, but throw it on God to handle the matter and TRUST Him with the results. The weight off your shoulders will be enormous.
Confession: My burden of bitterness and unforgiveness has been too much for me to bear. It has made my mind, soul and body sick and I refuse to let it eat me up and distract me any more. I will deliver this issue over to My Father in heaven who loves me and will trust Him with this situation.
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