The Root of Bitterness and Unforgiveness

There’s a heavy burden a person carries deep inside.

An oppressing burden unseen by the naked eye.

Its shelter is my heart surrounded by the never-ending stone wall in my mind.

It feels like an exhausting quest to protect what’s mine.

A vow I made in a moment of agony and stress.

Feelings of fear and helplessness overwhelmed me in the mess.

I said; “Never again will you or anyone else hurt me!” …and off I went.

Not realizing the seed was planted- as I built my life’s tent.

Years passed and the seed began to grow;

My sadness escalated as I began to turn into something, I know.

I thought the tree was torn down, but the roots still dwell deep inside.

The tornado of emotions becoming impossible to hide.

I said; I forgave you, but I never tore down my wall.

As a result, others suffered the consequences, and of my actions I became appalled. 

The self-hatred was building at a slow and steady pace.

I pleaded with God to change me and kept falling flat on my face.

No one sees your torture when you smile really bright.

No one sees your fear and worries behind every seemingly fearless fight.

No one sees the tears in the all sleepless nights.

No one, but God knows the inevitable dangers that await- from not doing what’s right.

I’m tired of these shackles; they weigh heavy on my soul.

I want to rip out all these tortuous roots; that burn like hot coal.

I want to be free from these burdens; buried deep inside.

I want wrap my arms around God and in his caress safely hide.

I want to increase in faith and walk the righteous path.

I want to be the sheep Jesus returns for-

Accept his justice and be comforted by his rod and staff. 

I’m going take the sledge hammer and tear down my wall stone by stone.

I’m going to let God guide me, so I can peacefully go home.

When we choose not to forgive, we essentially stunt our spiritual growth and voluntarily put ourselves in a solitary confinement cell. We give the enemy of our souls authority to torment and oppress us. Bitterness & Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The reality is the person we resent freely goes on with their life, and until we truly choose to forgive; we remain stuck in the spiritual prison within us. We must wholeheartedly surrender them to God, forgive, and trust he will take care of it. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, he forgave us of our sins, and so we are commanded to forgive others.

Bible Scriptures: Forgiveness & Judgement

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” [The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant] -Matthew 18:21-35

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. -Matthew 6:14-15

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. -Matthew 7:1-6

Bitterness

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:31-32 

Persecution

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. -Matthew 5:43-45

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. -Romans 12:19

Peace

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”… “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” -Matthew 5:7,9

Purpose

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”… Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. -2 Timothy 2:19, 21