Bitterness vs. restoration and forgiveness

[evolution]

There is a certain group of people that God has placed in my life that are VERY hard for me to get along with. There was once a time when we were all close and bonding but along the lines the relationship took an UGLY turn. I try to pray on the situation and put it in Gods hands but somewhere in the mist of that I find myself harbering feelings of bitterness and animosity.
I know that God is not pleased with those type of feelings dwelling within his children, and im greatful that i was able to recognize it in order to pray on it and place it in Gods hands. I opened my bible and God led me to these scriptures: ephesians 4:29-32~Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, just as in Christ god forgave you.
James 3:13-18~ Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambitions in your heart, do not boast about it, or deny the truthe.Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peace makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

 

[gdemoss]

Dealing with others who are difficult can be very strenuous. One thing that has helped me keep things in perspective is considering the end of those who are contentious and obey not the truth (Rom 3). There are those who are wicked and simply know that they are and do not care. Then there are those who truly do not understand what it is that they are doing. To the truly wicked I ask that God deliver me from their hand. To those who do things in ignorance, I ask that God will help me to sacrifice myself and take their sin upon me, showing them the spirit of Christ which dwells within me and maybe, just maybe, God will grant them repentance from their evil works and turn their hearts toward him through his Christ.



<< Psalm 73 >>
King James Version
1<> Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a ******* from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.


May the Lord God Bless us and Keep us by the Power of His Word in Christ Jesus,

Gary

 

[macca]

There is a certain group of people that God has placed in my life that are VERY hard for me to get along with.

A couple of thoughts on this.
1) Often we are in seasons and people come into our lives and stay for a time and God moves them and us into a new season; it is at this point we need to allow them to move on and not try to hold them close to ourselves.
2) forgiving another, doesn't mean we are to put ourselves into a position, where someone has hurt us, back into a position where they can continue hurting us, or even can hurt us again.

Unforgivness is not hurtful to the other person, no matter how much the enemy may lie to us about it getting us even, it is hurting ourself, and it is very necessary for our own well-being to forgive ALL hurts.