Greetings,
In John Bevere's book, The Bait of Satan, he tells a story about a woman who thought she had forgiven her husband for leaving her and her three boys for another woman. To her surprise, she hadn't. Her story teaches us that although we say we have forgiven the offender's actions with our lips, unforgiveness remains prominently within our hearts and emotions.
Unforgiveness sets in motion the creation of scabs which allow us to pick at every time the offense is relived and rehearsed in our minds and hearts. Better imagery is the production of scars formed from our willingness to forgive others. The scars produced are a reminder that the individual applied forgiveness to the situation, which allows the process to continue to heal; scabs don't qualify for healing, only continued hurt and pain.
Too often, we want the offender to come to us and admit they were wrong and forget that the message of Jesus reminds us that if Jesus had wanted us to go to Him and apologize, saying, "We were wrong. You were right. Forgive us, " He would not have forgiven us from the cross. Remember, as He hung on the cross, He said, "Father forgive them, for they don't know what they are dong" (Luke 23:34). Agreeably, Paul expresses that "The Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others" (Colossians 3:13). How is this achieved, getting rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Remember, what you plant produces the harvest to match. If you plant seeds of debt, unforgiveness, and offense, those roots grow, replacing God's love. In other words, your harvest is the root of bitterness.
Webster's dictionary defines bitterness as a bitter taste or quality that excites a biting disagreeable sensation in the tongue. However, the writer of the Book of Hebrews speaks explicitly to this issue with these words: 14 Pursue Peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this, many become defiled" (Hebrews 12:14-15, NKJV).
The Bible clarifies that if a person does not seek Peace by releasing offenses, they will eventually become defiled.
Unforgiveness
It hinders our relationship with others and God.
It keeps us in bondage to the offense and offender.
It sets you up as a judge of the offense and offender, making you responsible for correcting the wrong.
It creates a scab instead of a scar, allowing you to continue picking at it by reliving the hurt experienced.
It produces a destructive path depending on the severity of the bitterness and strength of the offense.
What do you want produced in your life, scabs or scars? Depending on your answer will lead you to forgiveness or unforgiveness.
Pursuing Peace,
Minister Sylvia Joyner
