Bitterness pounds on my door, begging to come in. It reminds me of all the ways I have been wronged in the past. Anger simmers deep inside, trying to rise up to remind me of what others have done to me. But your words dear Lord remind me of forgiveness. To forgive is to keep bitterness out; to keep anger suppressed. I remind you dear Lord of the pain they inflicted on me, but you remind me of the pain Jesus suffered on the cross. The words Jesus uttered echo in my mind: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”* The word forgiveness forms on my lips. It seems plausible, but the pain, the hurt remain. Then you tell me you can help heal the emotional pain, the unseen, lingering wounds. You tell me to trust in you; that there is hope; healing; new life.
© 2020 CGThelen
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. – Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB)
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. – Hebrews 3:13
*Luke 23:34 (NASB)
140 Character Christian 
You’re right: bitterness does pound on the door. But that heart we are to put on – the heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience – is Jesus’ heart, and He gives it to us.
It seems humility is the key to helping to be compassionate, to give grace to others. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
I remember wrestling with this issue and trying to convince myself that at least some of the people who had hurt me deserved to be forgiven, but I couldn’t think of a reason. Finally, Jesus whispered to me, “How about forgiving them just because I’m asking you to?” And I pictured Him hanging on the Cross for me. I forgave them all.
Praise God for the wisdom he gives us to see through our own view — to help us get to the truth and what is good for us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
I totally agree with this post and have found forgiveness of others is my foundation of seeing my own need and the need to forgive others.
Identifying these two needs has helped me. Thanks for the comment. Blessings
I am constantly reminded of my need of forgiveness; from God for my sins and tiny faith, and also practiced by me on those who hurt me. Forgiveness is blessed to receive but difficult to give. Our forgiveness of others puts a stamp of the Almighty’s approval on our own forgiveness from Him. Thank you for this precious reminder today, God bless you.
“Our forgiveness of others puts a stamp of the Almighty’s approval on our own forgiveness.” I like that phrase. So true. Have a blessed day.