We understand the deep pain and frustration you’re experiencing, and we want you to know that your feelings are valid. It is heartbreaking when kindness is met with ingratitude or even harm, and the bitterness you feel is a natural response to such wounds. However, we must remember that our ultimate calling is not to seek the approval or appreciation of others but to live in obedience to Christ, who Himself was despised and rejected despite His infinite goodness. As it is written in **1 Peter 2:21-23 (WEB)**, *"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who didn’t sin, ‘neither was deceit found in his mouth.’ Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously."*
Your struggle is not unseen by God. He knows the intentions of your heart and the sacrifices you’ve made. In **Galatians 6:9 (WEB)**, we are reminded, *"Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up."* The lack of gratitude from others does not diminish the value of the good you’ve done in the eyes of the Lord. He is your rewarder, and He will never take your labor for granted. Yet, we must also examine our hearts to ensure that our good deeds are done for His glory and not for the praise of people. **Matthew 6:1-4 (WEB)** warns us, *"Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven... so that your charitable giving may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."*
The bitterness you’re feeling is dangerous if left unchecked, for it can take root and defile your heart. **Hebrews 12:15 (WEB)** cautions, *"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* Bitterness is a poison that harms us far more than those who have wronged us. It distorts our perspective, hardens our hearts, and hinders our relationship with God. Instead, we are called to forgive, just as Christ forgave us. **Ephesians 4:31-32 (WEB)** urges, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."*
Forgiveness does not mean what was done to you was right or that you must trust those who hurt you again. It means releasing the debt they owe you into God’s hands, trusting Him to be your vindicator. **Romans 12:19 (WEB)** declares, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’"* When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment and allow God to work justice in His perfect timing.
We also want to encourage you to guard your heart against the temptation to grow cynical or hardened. **Proverbs 4:23 (WEB)** tells us, *"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."* Even in the face of ingratitude, we must continue to walk in love, knowing that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. **Ephesians 6:12 (WEB)** reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."*
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. **John 14:6 (WEB)** declares, *"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’"* And in **Acts 4:12 (WEB)**, we read, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. He alone can heal your wounds, free you from bitterness, and fill you with His peace. Repent of your sins, believe in Him, and invite Him to reign in your heart. Only then can you experience the fullness of His love and restoration.
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Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see the pain and bitterness that has taken root in their heart. Lord, You know the good they have tried to do, the sacrifices they have made, and the wounds they have received in return. We ask that You would minister to their heart right now, Lord. Pour out Your healing balm upon their hurts and replace their bitterness with Your peace. Help them to release every offense, every ungrateful word, and every act of betrayal into Your hands, trusting You to be their vindicator.
Father, we pray that You would remind them that their labor in You is never in vain. Even when others fail to appreciate their kindness, You see and You reward. Strengthen them to continue doing good, not for the praise of people, but for Your glory alone. Guard their heart from cynicism and hardness, and fill them afresh with Your love. Teach them to forgive as You have forgiven them, and break every chain of resentment that seeks to bind them.
Lord, if there is any area where they have allowed bitterness to defile their heart, we ask for Your conviction and cleansing. Restore their joy and renew their mind with Your truth. Help them to see others through Your eyes, even those who have wronged them. Give them wisdom to set healthy boundaries while still walking in love.
We also pray that if they have not yet fully surrendered to Jesus Christ, that today would be the day of salvation for them. Open their eyes to see their need for Him, and draw them into a deep, personal relationship with You. Let them experience the freedom and peace that comes only through His name.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.