RENEW YOUR MIND

 

How are you thinking today?

What is going through your mind this morning?

Did you wake up thinking bad thoughts about someone who hurt you in some way?

What happens to you when you let someone live rent-free in your head over something they said or did that cause you harm, whether mentally, physically, or emotionally, especially after they have apologized?

When we continue to wallow in anger over something done or said to us, we end up with much negativity and a lack of peace.  We experience bitterness, resentment, and broken relationships.  Unforgiveness also causes bitterness, and it affects our relationship and communion with God.  It is also a sin to not forgive someone when they have wronged us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says:

Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you.

Forgiveness takes lots of prayer, humility, and in some cases, time to happen.  Forgiving someone doesn't necessarily mean that your relationship is restored to that individual.  Sometimes that's not possible.  But what it does mean is that you have let go of the pain, bitterness, and anger so that you won't allow what they did to you to control you.

Here is a reminder of Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.

Remember, what we think about can affect the kind of day we have, so let go of bitterness, anger, and resentment you may have towards someone and set your mind on godly things.