Forgiveness...
OH what a word.
The definition of forgiveness is:
the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.
"she is quick to ask forgiveness when she has overstepped the line"
All in all, forgiveness is undeserved, it is the action you choose to take within your heart and spirit to let go of the pain that someone has afflicted onto you.
The definition of bitterness is:
anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment.
"he expressed bitterness over his dismissal without notice"
Bitterness is a nasty feeling & bitter people are not beautiful. You can see it on their faces. Bitterness eats at your soul & feeds you nothing, but nastiness & leaves a real bitter taste in your mouth (no pun intended). It is hard to be around bitter people because they have a false sense of self-righteousness. Sadly, bitterness drives people to say and do things they never would usually say or do.
Bitter roots are built up after a number of hurt has truly taken its tole on you, but forgiveness is the complete opposite. Forgiveness is complete peace. Forgiveness helps yourself & heals not only your mind, heart, will & emotions, but also your body at times.
I truly believe bitterness can make someone sick, and I know it can definitely make those around them, sick of them too, I have done it myself before. People build walls up after experiencing pain & become vulgar towards others sometimes completely unintentionally, but when you forgive you free those people & show them that you will be okay even if they shut you out, because bitterness hates peace.
Forgiveness means, I want peace, it is choosing to be freed from the junk & turmoil & live in such a way that you can have situations come up, get hurt, but remain peaceful, content & gracious no matter what you face. Everyone is human, everyone makes mistakes. Forgiveness is not earned & you wont always get an apology in fact many times people will hurt you and you will get no sorry, but that is the point of grace!
The overall message is that forgiving can feel like you are allowing someone to get away with how they hurt you. Or like they have more control, but the truth is, letting go is taking control. whatever they did to hurt you, throw it aside & choose whether or not you want peace or no peace. It takes you out of the fog, anger & strife & puts you into the hands of God.
Bitterness will ruin your life.
Forgiveness frees it.
