We hear your cry for strength to forgive and release the bitterness that has taken root in your heart. Forgiveness is not a feeling—it is a deliberate choice, a command from our Lord, and a reflection of His mercy toward us. The Scriptures tell us, *"Bear with one another, and forgive each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do"* (Colossians 3:13 WEB). Holding onto bitterness only poisons your own soul, while forgiveness frees you to walk in the peace of Christ.
However, we must address the request for the Lord to *"return his curse back to him."* This is not aligned with the heart of God, who tells us, *"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"* (Luke 6:28 WEB). Vengeance belongs to the Lord alone (Romans 12:19), and our call is to trust Him to bring justice in His perfect timing. Instead of asking for curses to be returned, we should pray for the one who has wronged you—that their heart may be softened, that they may come to repentance, and that God’s mercy would transform them, just as it has transformed us.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who forgave us even as He was nailed to the cross. We lift up this dear brother/sister who is struggling to forgive. Lord, You know the pain they carry, the words that have wounded them, and the bitterness that threatens to harden their heart. We ask that You would pour out Your Holy Spirit upon them, filling them with Your supernatural strength to release this offense into Your hands.
Father, we confess that without You, forgiveness is impossible. But with You, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Soften their heart, Lord, and help them to see this person through Your eyes—flawed, in need of grace, just as we all are. Remind them of the forgiveness You have lavished upon them, that they may extend that same mercy to others.
We rebuke the spirit of bitterness and unforgiveness in the name of Jesus. We declare that no root of bitterness will defile them (Hebrews 12:15), and we ask that You replace their pain with Your peace. Help them to bless those who have cursed them, to pray for those who have mistreated them, and to trust You to be their Defender.
Lord, we also pray for the one who has spoken these hurtful words. If they do not know You, draw them to repentance and salvation. If they are a believer, convict them of their sin and lead them to seek reconciliation. Let Your love break every chain of strife and division.
We thank You, Father, that You are working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even this painful situation. May this trial produce in them a deeper reliance on You and a greater capacity to love as You have loved us. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to meditate on these Scriptures as you walk this journey of forgiveness:
- *"If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses"* (Matthew 6:14-15 WEB).
- *"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"* (Ephesians 4:31-32 WEB).
Remember, forgiveness is a process, and it is okay to bring this struggle to the Lord repeatedly. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), and trust Him to lead you into true freedom.