Eph 4:31-32,  "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."

Think

"Forgiveness allows us to unchain ourselves from the past." Are you harboring angry feelings from someone who did you wrong in your past? It can drag you down like a ball and chain locked around your ankle. Many times, they've forgotten about it long before you've even considered the possibility of putting it to rest. Unresolved anger and forgiveness will lead to bitterness. When bitterness takes root in our life, it begins to impact our attitude and even other relationships. But that is not God's best for us; he wants us to be better, not bitter. Here's a great exercise to help. Picture a large cemetery in your mind, now go and bury the faults of those who have hurt you. It may not be easy, but remember that God buried our sins and didn't mark the grave. No one will ever do anything as bad to us as we did to Jesus when he died for our sins. If he can forgive, so can we!

Act

Take a few moments today and write a thank you note to God. Thank him for forgiving you time and time again. Then, ask him to use that awareness to motivate you to forgive those who have done you wrong in your life. If unresolved forgiveness in your past is really impacting your life, consider seeing a counselor to help you find freedom in forgiveness. Search "counselor" on FellowshipChurch.com for recommendations.

Pray

God, please show me every area in my life where unforgiveness is holding me back. Reveal any bitterness and give me the courage I need to forgive, just as you have done for me! Amen