I see many self proclaimed christians wearing their anger and bitterness like a badge of honor. This saddens me. It is by no means an honorable thing , in fact the word of God warns against anger against ones brother and roots of bitterness. He wouldn't speak of forgivness in the word of God as much as he does if it wasn't important. The world would say someone who turns the other cheek or forgives easily is weak.Or maybe, that you have to stay offended so that you can "protect yourself " from further heartache. These are lies from the enemy of your soul and couldnt be farther from the truth. We are actually stronger when we forgive and let go. It is a form of warfare against the powers of darkness, and an act of worship unto our Lord Jesus Christ. When we choose to stay angry or offended with someone who has hurt our heart or feelings we are by no means punishing that person or "being strong" . What we are doing is allowing the devil to form a strong hold in our lives. This causes us to become more unhappy, more offended and wounded even more. Christ forgave us and we are to forgive others. When we heed his commands we are walking in obedience and this not only pleases our Father but it blesses us! We can walk in freedom and blessing as we choose to walk in obedience. God is amazingly awesome and he loves to be near to his children. All obedience unto him brings us closer and closer and CLOSER to him! PRAISE GOD! I urge you to study the following scriptures and let God quicken to your spirit areas in your life that you may not be walking in complete freedom.
*** Angela Jennifer ***
The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
Proverbs 14:10
For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.
Acts 8:23
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 5:31-32
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 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