Your mind is made up. Letting someone hurt you this deeply again is not an option. Selfish vows were made out of anger to walk in unforgiveness and this time you are really dismissing people out of your life. Bitterness has caused you to build impassable walls and because you believe strong resentment demands retaliation you gladly drink from the cup of self-destruction.

What is it about getting even that drives us to complete madness when the person(s) who wronged us has not suffered at all? Of course, it is our natural instinct to protect ourselves when we sense physical or spiritual hurt, harm or danger. We would be foolish not to. The shield and defense working on the inside of us alerts us to threatening life situations, so for the natural man, when someone has wronged us we react for justice and protection.

The Bible speaks to the believers of Christ differently about reacting to offenses. We should always be slow to anger (James 1:19), quick to forgive (Luke 17:3-4) and repay no one evil for evil (Romans 12:17). Harboring offenses lead to anger, resentment and unforgiveness of which separate us from the presence and love of God. Bitter and sweet cannot co-exist in the Kingdom of God. That’s right. Your sweetness is showing the love of God with humility and kindness. Bitterness is a poisonous root that consumes and destroys us both spiritually and physically. It will steal any deposits of sweetness that God has placed in your life and renders you ineffective.

Have the confidence of Christ in letting go of bitterness. Critical attitudes hold us back from reaching both personal and spiritual development goals. We can drive out resentment, depression, jealousies, unforgiveness, even hate when we learn to let go and allow God to handle the unjustified situations.

Here are six divine freedom truths to help you overcome bitterness and move forward daily:

1. Walk in Forgiveness – Bitterness hinders our relationship with God and our service for Him.
   Our prayers are the lifeline for which we communicate and share our intimacy with God. When we choose not to forgive, God does not hear our prayers. First, ask God to forgive you of any bitterness or resentment. Then ask God to forgive those who have hurt you. You should also sincerely confess to God your forgiveness of those who have hurt you as well. Forgiveness restores the joy of our salvation in Jesus Christ.
   (Mark 11:25-26, Acts 8:23-24, Matthew 5:43-44)
   
   
2. Become Imitators of Christ – Jesus took the spirit of bitterness to the cross with Him.
   Jesus offered and sacrificed Himself in love for us. Through His strength we can put to death bitterness in our own lives.
   (Ephesians 4:31-5:2)
   
   
3. Live Peaceably With All Men – Bitterness can hurt and ruin a lot of individuals.
   None of us are perfect but every effort should be taken to remain blameless in the sight of God and all mankind. Both believers and non-believers alike are watching how Christians live and respond in the truth of God’s abiding love. When people see us, they should see the operation of God’s holiness through us.
   (Hebrews 12:14-15)
   
   
4. Release All Grudges to God – Bitterness opens the door to the enemy.
   There is a natural hedge of protection that surrounds God’s people. However, when we entertain grudgefullness Satan succeeds in penetrating holes in that protection. Defilement is the door that gives the enemy an advantage over us. We should never give place to the devil.
   (2 Corinthians 2:10-11, Ephesians 4:27)
   
   
5. Allow God to Daily Heal Your Heart & Body – Bitterness affects you both spiritually and physically!
   Guilt and depression from the weight of bitterness takes a toll on our mental & physical bodies that we were not designed by God for us to handle. I recommend studying and applying relevant scriptures to your life situation. For some of us, healing from bitterness and unforgiveness may take longer. Healing becomes a daily process of fasting, prayer, and the power of God’s divine Word.
   (Proverbs 3: 7-8)
   
   
6. Vengeance Belongs to God – God is a God of justice and will repay exactly what is owed to us.
   As born again believers, God warns us against entertaining the thoughts of and seeking retribution for ourselves. We will never learn to trust God, His love or His divine plan for our lives if we continually try to avenge our own life grievances. We are to seek and depend on God for everything, including letting God decide the fate of those who treat us unfairly.
   (Romans 12:19)

~ Yolanda Banks

Prophetess Yolanda Banks is the founder of Amplified Life Ministries and the Co-Pastor of New Deliverance Bible Church in Sugar Land, Texas. She is a life coach and motivational speaker passionate about spiritually equipping others to discover and walk in their God divine purpose victoriously. Her multifaceted ministry emphasizes supernatural empowerment that inspires many to live transformational and productive Christian lives.

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