Settle in: Take a deep breath. Turn off notifications on your phone if you can. Ask God to soften your heart, heal your hurts, and help you release any grudges you’ve been holding on to.

Scripture reflection

Read Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) slowly. Then read it again. Let it sink in:

Get rid of all bitterness… be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

Thought starter 

Bitterness is what happens when we don’t let go. We get hurt or angry, and we let those feelings fester. It may seem like staying bitter will protect us while punishing the other person, but actually the only person we hurt is ourselves. 

• Bitterness says: “They hurt me. I won’t forget.”
• Anger says: “They don’t deserve my kindness.”
• Unforgiveness says: “I’ll protect myself by staying mad.”
• But Jesus says: “I forgave you—now let me help you forgive them.”

Bitterness is a poison.

Read:

Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. [32] Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NCV

Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 NIrV

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

Truth bomb:

Bitterness spreads like a disease. 

• Bitterness doesn’t just stop at hurt feelings. It makes us do hurtful things to other people.
• It’s like a poisonous root—it spreads and twists our view of God, others, and ourselves.
• Admitting all the ways we need forgiveness from God is the first step to forgiving others.

Pray:

“God, I’ve been holding onto bitterness for too long. Help me let it go. Here is the sin I need forgiveness for…”

Uproot bitterness, plant forgiveness.

Read:

Before continuing, read this passage of the Bible and circle, underline, or highlight any words that stand out to you: Matthew 18:21-35 NIrV

Peter came to Jesus. He asked, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times…

[32] …“Then the master called the first servant in. ‘You evil servant,’ he said. ‘I forgave all that you owed me because you begged me to. [33] Shouldn’t you have had mercy on the other servant just as I had mercy on you?’”

Matthew 18:21-22,32-33 NIrV

Truth bomb:

God forgives us of our sins and expects us to do the same for others.

In Matthew 18, Jesus tells of a servant who was forgiven a massive debt by his king—but then refused to forgive someone who owed him a tiny amount.

• This parable shows how easy it is to forget the mercy we’ve received.
• Forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen—it’s about choosing freedom over resentment.
• Resentment is a hurt that festers, often turning into bitterness that comes out as criticism.
• God’s forgiveness is the model, and his mercy is the motivation. When we bring our sins into the light by being honest, God uproots the pain and plants forgiveness in its place.

Write it down

Take a moment to write down one hurt or grudge you want to release today.

Then, write down one way you can show kindness to someone who is hard for you to love.

Final thought.

Get forgiveness, give forgiveness

Bitterness is a poison that keeps us stuck, burdened, and sad. The first step to letting go of bitterness is admitting our own sins— God can forgive and heal whatever we bring into the light! When we get this forgiveness from God, he helps us forgive others.

Humor break

Why was the math book sad?
Because it had too many problems!

Share the inspiration

Save this phone wallpaper to remind you to be grateful for God’s forgiveness today!