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Proverbs 14:10
(NKJV)
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its joy.
This isn’t good news. It’s simply an observation of the way things are. But Christians are commanded to get rid of this very real bitterness, while the world and we ourselves often add fuel to the fire of our own pain.
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you where sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
People often recommend that we forgive ourselves, that this will heal or comfort us. What do you think? Their arguments don’t convince me. Only the Lord can help us against despair and living with the consequences of our own deliberate foolishness and wickedness, or the real injuries of others. Truly knowing that we belong to Him, and that He has the answers for us is our joy, our hope – even against bitterness which is especially hard to bear, and also dangerous.
John 10:14-15
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
1 Corinthians 2
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
The Lord Jesus Christ tasted gall as He suffered for us – they offered Him gall mixed with vinegar but He refused it. (Matthew 27:34) He also tasted death for us but drank it to the dregs. So let us go outside the gates to Him. Let us trust that truly, really, His joy is our strength. In the very real future He will wipe away every tear we’ve ever shed. But for now we must live with many of the consequences of our wrongdoing, yet with His totally sufficient help.
Seek Him about this! He is the antidote for bitterness and will comfort us in every grief.
“People often recommend that we forgive ourselves, that this will heal or comfort us. What do you think?”
If we can’t forgive ourselves, that means we don’t fully trust God’s word in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and the repentance might be half-hearted. When one truly repents, God blots out your sin.
Isaiah 43:25 also states, “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” contextually to the Israelites but applicable to any modern-day believer who genuinely repents.
We can convince ourselves we have forgiven others but if we don’t fix the issue that starts within ourselves, it will trickle elsewhere.
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Caeli, this is a personal post of my thoughts about coming to terms with accepting and not being overcome emotionally by the consequence of my sin after truly repenting and knowing it is washed away. It’s too personal to be specific about my sin. Love you – thank you for your thoughtful answer to the question!
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That’s fine Maria. I am on the same end actually, given my history before I came to know Christ which my testimony can be found here if you have time, https://modconspiracy.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/planned-parenthood-reasons-for-abortion/
When sin has been dealt with, we can talk about our experiences where it becomes a testimony of God’s saving grace without guilt attached. It is an indicator of a cleared conscience and peace of mind.
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Caeli, yes, we can speak about it when all is right with us and will be given opportunities to help others know the Lord!
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Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Danke, bruder! Grazie, Vincent! :0)
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😄😄 Bene, bene, schwester 😎
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prego, bruder! :0)
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😍😄
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OH, YES! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
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I’m thankful for your encouragement and joy, Elizabeth!
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I love John Bevere’s book, Bait of Satan, which deal very practically with the issue of unforgiveness and offense.
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Hi, Dawn! I haven’t read Bevere’s book. It sounds like an eye-opener. Sometimes I’ve had to taste bitterness – horrible! – but the Lord has taken it from me. Praise Him! This has all been painful but necessary. Thank you for your comments, friend!
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Hope your eyes are doing well!!
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Oh, Dawn, thanks for asking. I’ve been in pain since surgery in October. The ophthalmologist suggested it might be sinus related but this pain is different.
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Have you seen an ENT? Don’t give up. There’s an answer.
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No, I haven’t. That is a good idea, Dawn! I’m hesitant to simply go to my pcp and get an antibiotic. I can’t promise to take your good advice. Just say a little prayer for me. Lord bless you!!
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Maria, thanks for this encouragement. The holiday season is filled with bitterness for so many, and is difficult. Very timely, thanks.
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Once we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, overcome any bitterness we may have had towards others…the taste is oh so sweet….the Lord just helped me with this issue towards my mother…
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I’m so glad for you, Connie! Wonderful.
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The Spirit of God alone can help us with this.
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http://abeautifulminddotblog.wordpress.com
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Hi, Mrs. Meng Thoj! Thank you for visiting my blog and making another place where Meng Thoj can be remembered!
In Jesus’ love,
Maria
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