At The Movies | Wednesday
Wednesday | July 15
This Week's Focus:
Our culture often tells us, "Your past defines you." But in Christ, we are forgiven and released from our past, so we can be set free to experience real, hopeful joy grounded in the present and looking to the future.
Our culture often tells us, "Your past defines you." But in Christ, we are forgiven and released from our past, so we can be set free to experience real, hopeful joy grounded in the present and looking to the future.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
"Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."
Hebrews 12:15 NLT
Hebrews 12:15 NLT
Forgiveness
When it comes to being wronged, our modern culture teaches us not to let it go with the well-known phrase "never let them live it down." While that response may seem small or inconsequential, it can easily grow into something much, much worse. The writer of Hebrews warns against a resentful attitude as he urges Christians to watch over one another so that bitterness does not take root and corrupt us.
The Bible clearly teaches us that bitterness poisons everything it touches, without exception. It can blind us and make us behave in foolish ways we might never otherwise. Psalm 73:21-22 paints a vivid picture of this reality, stating, "Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you."
What's worse, bitterness never stays private; it always has a greater impact on our communities, families, and relationships. It inevitably opens the door to other sins, such as jealousy and gossip, that lead to further offense and destruction (Proverbs 17:9).
So if we know bitterness is the poison, what's the antidote? Forgiveness - the very same that was shown to us through Christ. When we choose not to seek justice for ourselves, and entrust that work to God, we guard our hearts against bitterness. Let us then choose to do this for ourselves and our brothers and sisters so that we might not grow embittered but experience the joy of redemption.
The Bible clearly teaches us that bitterness poisons everything it touches, without exception. It can blind us and make us behave in foolish ways we might never otherwise. Psalm 73:21-22 paints a vivid picture of this reality, stating, "Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you."
What's worse, bitterness never stays private; it always has a greater impact on our communities, families, and relationships. It inevitably opens the door to other sins, such as jealousy and gossip, that lead to further offense and destruction (Proverbs 17:9).
So if we know bitterness is the poison, what's the antidote? Forgiveness - the very same that was shown to us through Christ. When we choose not to seek justice for ourselves, and entrust that work to God, we guard our hearts against bitterness. Let us then choose to do this for ourselves and our brothers and sisters so that we might not grow embittered but experience the joy of redemption.
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- What am I holding onto instead of letting God redeem it?
- Who am I withholding forgiveness from?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."
Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, help me to be honest with my heart. Let me see where I am holding onto past hurt you want to redeem. Thank you Lord for all you have blessed me with. Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we lean into what Jesus' actions mean for our guilt.