Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32)

Are you imprisoned? You may not be literally behind bars, but you may feel trapped by some negative feelings. Today’s passage begins by warning us to get rid of those bad feelings, bad attitudes, and all forms of evil. It then instructs us to be kind and compassionate to one another, releasing forgiveness just as God, by His grace, forgave us in Christ.

Forgiveness not only frees us from pain and resentment toward those who have wronged us, but it can also free the one who imprisoned us. It’s like a double-edged sword: on one hand, it frees us from bitterness and vengeful attitudes, and on the other, in love, it quashes the offense of the one who hurt us, breaking their chains. Release forgiveness, and you will stop feeling pain or resentment for the wrong done to you by another person.

Decide to forgive today:
Understand that people need forgiveness. Jesus forgives us because we all have flaws.
Decide to forgive, regardless of the emotions telling you otherwise. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling.
Pray to God, naming the people you wish to forgive.
Free yourself from bitterness! Do not reproach the person for what they did or seek revenge. Just forgive.
Seek strength and encouragement in God’s Word.
Place in the Lord’s hands those who have mistreated you. Those who hurt you also need to receive God’s forgiveness.

To pray:
Lord my God, I want to be free from feelings of bitterness and bad attitudes toward those who have hurt me. Help me not to be in conflict with others, and to let go of pain, resentment, and vengeance. Forgive me for the times I failed, grieving You and others. Teach me to forgive and to release those who hurt me, just as You forgave me in Christ. Amen.