May 1, 2023
What bitterness do you struggle with? What anger do you want to let go of?
In Journey Church’s “My Life’s a Mess” series, people who were a part of the in person service last Sunday placed in trash cans cards on which they’d written the bitterness they want to overcome or the anger they want to get rid of with God’s help. Here’s some of what they wrote:
I’m letting go of the bitterness or anger I have . . .
Toward a friend who betrayed me
Toward the person how took advantage of me
Toward the men in my mom’s life that beat her
Toward the person cheating on me
Toward the person that hurt one of my family members
Toward my teammates
Toward the person who is disrespecting me
Toward the friend who is slandering me when I stated a need and a boundary
Toward someone I love
Toward myself
Toward my ex
Toward my family
Toward my Viet Nam horror
Toward the broken system used at my employment and the administration that supports it
Toward my granddaughter for hurting me so much
Toward my brother and daughter-in-law
Toward my family’s selfishness
Toward every toxic leader
Toward the darkness of this world
When you experience bitterness or anger, remember the teaching of scripture:
Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26-27 (CSB)
Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32a (VOICE)
-Michael