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Day 12 of Lent- Say Good Bye to Bitterness

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Text: Genesis 50:19-21. “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them”.

We all go through things that are not fair. People treat us wrong and make us lose our jobs, family and friends. We have a choice on how to respond as opposed to stopping what people do to us. The more we dwell on the hurts and the things that are wrongly done to us, the more we destroy our relationship with God. Joseph went through hurts suffered at the hands of his very own brothers. They attempted to kill him and hurt him by all means necessary. Through it all, Joseph never bore any grudge but rather allowed God to grant him favor through the pain.

Whenever we embark on the path bitterness and revenge, we compromise our walk with God. Bitterness gives the opportunity for others to negatively control our lives. Bitterness allows the enemy to have a foot hole in our lives. Because of someone’s actions we allow bitterness to consume us to miss out on Gods favor. The choice is ours but remember God gives us grace to live through the trials and tribulations. Will we chose the petty carnal instincts that drive us to be bitter and vindictive? Joseph chose the favor of God and stayed away from being bitter. He refused to allow the pain and hurt affect his relationship with God. Paul relied on the favor of God while in prison just as Joseph did and used his difficult situation to bless and spread the word of God. Do not be overcome by evil, instead overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Allow God to fight for you. Let go of the bitterness and let God.

During this period of Lent, release what is eating you up and let go of the pain others may have caused you and forgive just as God has forgiven you.

Reflection: What is eating you up? How can you let go?

Reading: Genesis 50:1-21

Submitted by: Dennis Arthur

New Life International UMC

Image: gotquestions.org