Roadblock: Bitterness

Most of us know what it's like to be on our way somewhere and have some reckless driver do something foolish that affects us. Maybe he ran a red light, putting you and himself in danger. Or maybe he cut you off, which might also end up painfully. Or maybe, just maybe, he only did something that just annoyed you a little bit but didn't really hurt you, like honking his horn at you when you hesitated at a green light. We've probably all experienced these things - whether from the driver seat or passenger seat. I want you to focus on those emotions for a second (I'm fairly sure you can recall them easily). There's probably some frustration or even a little bit of anger? Yeah, those emotions.Just as there are moments on the literal road when these occur, there's times during our Journey of life when we experience similar feelings. 

Lately, some of the "cut-offs" and "annoying honks" I've experienced in my personal Journey have been going through my head. I feel as if, every week, there's something new. And my tendency is to hang on to these, allowing the second-long offenses to fester inside until they grow to a big, ugly roadblock called Bitterness, rather than just letting go and moving on. It's not as if this Bitterness doesn't have warning signs, 'cause it does. "Make a U-turn to mercy" or "Danger: Roadblock ahead. Forgive or continue at your own risk." Those pop up, but what do I do? Ignore them. Because, honestly, it's so much easier to keep going down that road than turn around and...forgive? No way!

But God doesn't call us to the Path of Bitterness. In fact, He commands us to make a turn and change our route. Paul tells us very clearly in Ephesians 4 to "[forgive] each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (v. 29). Isn't much clearer than that, is it? I've always read this verse and been, like, "Whatever. I don't struggle with bitterness," knowing full well I did. Today, however, something changed. I was sitting there reading for my devotions today (which, "coincidentally," concerned pity and mercy...more on that in a moment) and I was instructed to read several passages that talked about the nature of God's forgiveness. It hit me that His forgiveness is total and complete. He doesn't hang on to anything; He lets go. Most of the time, passages like Psalm 51 and 103 bring comfort to my heart because they're awesome reminders of God mercy and forgiveness. But today, they stung because God had already been showing me that I was harboring some bitterness. I could feel Him calling me to let go, telling me, "I am the one who sets the standard for forgiveness. I paved the way by forgiving you of everything you've ever done. I did this so that you would be able to see how much you should and can forgive those who hurt you." I was extremely humbled.

So can I encourage you today to seek your heart, looking for the warning sings en route to Roadblock Bitterness? If you see them, seek God's strength and help to make a u-turn right now and choose forgiveness. Or perhaps you know fully well that you've hit that roadblock and you can't find a way around. I'll tell you right now that the only way to continue your Journey successfully is to seek God's help for forgiveness. I'll share with you what my personal prayer is: "God, give me a forgiving and merciful spirit." That's all. I can guarantee that if you are truly willing to change, a simple prayer like this (prayed multiple times a day - anytime you feel the bitterness taking hold) coupled with allowing His Word on the matter to impact you, you will see results. It's hard and very annoying because you will WANT to be angry, but its' so good.

I mentioned that my devotion today was about pity and mercy. I bring this up, because the author made some great points that helped me develop this illustration regarding pity and mercy. Pity is putting yourself in the other person's shoes and considering how that person feels and how they would wish to be treated. I know this is a very difficult task, but to help me I thought about how I would want to be treated if I hurt someone like they hurt me. This is often humbling because I would want forgiveness and a second - or a thousandth - chance. Now mercy is the action you take towards that person based on the discoveries you made through pity. It's like a cause and effect - pity causes the effect of mercy.

So, today, let us be on the lookout for the warnings of the Roadblock of Bitterness and be proactive in fighting it through prayer and the strength of God's Word and God Himself.

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 

He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever; 

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."

Psalm 103:8-10