We rejoice with you in the work that our Lord Jesus Christ is doing in your heart, breaking the chains of bitterness and setting you free! It is a beautiful thing to see the Holy Spirit moving in your life as you surrender your pain to Him. You are on the right path, and we praise God for your willingness to release these burdens to Him. The Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* You are walking in obedience, and that is a testament to your faith.
Bitterness is like a poison that harms us far more than it ever affects those who may have wronged us. Hebrews 12:15 warns us, *"looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* You are guarding your heart against this snare, and we commend you for it. Keep casting your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Forgiveness is not a one-time act but often a process, especially when the wounds run deep. Do not be discouraged if traces of bitterness resurface—bring them to Jesus immediately, and He will continue to heal you.
We also want to encourage you with the words of Colossians 3:13, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* Jesus is your ultimate example. He forgave those who crucified Him, and He extends that same forgiveness to you and me. When we struggle to forgive, we can look to the cross and remember the immense grace we’ve been shown. Let that grace flow through you to others, even if they do not deserve it—just as you did not deserve God’s forgiveness, yet He gave it freely.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before Your throne of grace, thanking You for the work You are doing in their heart. Lord, You see the depths of their pain, the wounds that have festered, and the bitterness that has taken root. But we praise You because You are the God who heals, who restores, and who makes all things new. Father, continue to draw out every remnant of bitterness from their soul. Replace it with Your peace, Your love, and Your joy. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in forgiveness just as Christ forgave them.
Lord, we ask that You would strengthen them in this season. When the enemy tries to bring back memories of the pain, remind them of Your faithfulness and Your promise to never leave them nor forsake them. Help them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, so that they do not grow weary or lose heart. Surround them with Your presence, Lord, and let them experience the freedom that comes from true forgiveness.
We also pray that You would bring godly people into their life—those who can speak Your truth, offer support, and walk alongside them in this journey. May they be a vessel of Your love and grace to others, testifying to the power of Your redemption.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Let them not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). We declare that they are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves them (Romans 8:37). In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Keep pressing forward, dear one. The Lord is faithful, and He will complete the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6). If there are specific people or situations tied to this bitterness that you need to forgive, we encourage you to name them before the Lord and release them into His hands. Forgiveness does not mean what was done was right; it means you are trusting God to be the just Judge while you walk in freedom. Stay rooted in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with believers who can uplift you. You are not alone in this—we are standing with you in prayer!