Anger and Forgiveness

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I was mad this particular evening.  I found out something that I didn't like and it really got me hot and bothered.  I thought that something that should have been mine was taken away from me.  Yeah I know, I was having a serious "prideful" pity party.

I prayed about it and hoped that I would have a quick change of heart.  Praying that the bitterness creeping up would go away.  Not understanding why things just didn't seem to work in "my favor".

I tried to go to sleep but peace didn't come quickly this night.  I turned back on my night lamp and fumbled through the bible, not quite sure what I was looking for or needed to read.  After reading James 4:16 I kept fumbling through the Word.  My spirit still remained unsettled.  I ended up in Ephesians.

To my surprise Ephesians 4:31 jumped out at me.  It said "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice," It went on to say in verse 32 "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you."

At that moment that little clear edison bulb that lives in my brain lit up (seriously, you know you have the same bulb)!  I prayed that God would give me peace with the situation.  I prayed for a change of heart.  One thing I had failed to do was forgive the person I felt wronged by.  Regardless of whether what they did was intentional or not, I had to forgive them either way.  In order to release that bitterness and even the jealousy growing within my spirit, I had to forgive!

My friends its easy to ask for peace.  It's easy to ask for heart change.  But the true test comes in your ability to really let go.  Who do you need to forgive?

Forgive them.  The peace will follow.