Episode 111

TODAY’S READING:

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

 

Good Morning and Happy Monday! 

 

Who’s in favor of the time change in the fall? When I was younger, I loved it, it made it easier for me to get up in the mornings to go to school, and I loved leaving practice when it was dark. I was in high school, and during this time of year, we would chase the sunlight; it almost seemed like a game. 

 

As I got older, I started to appreciate the sunlight more, and watching the sunset at 6 is always a little shocking. It’s always darkest the first night. After a while, we get used to it. Our bodies adjust, and we no longer feel so tired when the sun is down. 

 

That is a picture of bitterness. When someone offends you, and you hold onto that, it’s always darkest on the first night. After a while, you get used to it. Before you know it, your body has adjusted to holding all that resentment and anger inside. 

 

We have to learn how to let things go. As you go about your day today, take notice of the people and incidents you are holding onto. If there is any poison inside of you, let it go. It’s not worth holding onto. The only one getting hurt is you? 

 

I heard a sermon the other day that talked about not only forgiving the people around us but that we should forgive ourselves. Forgive yourself for whatever you did. Forgive yourself for getting to where you are today. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you made years ago. Stop holding onto poison. Our Father has already forgiven us for those things. It’s time we let it go so that we can live a life without bounds. 

 

Be kind and compassionate, not only to those around you but to you and your body. Write down those affirmations and use them. Read them every day. 

 

Don’t let the sun go down another day without sorting out the pain you are holding onto. The pain could be self-inflicted, or it could be others trying to steal your joy. Forgive them and forgive yourself.

 

PRAYER

Jesus, we forgive ourselves. We release the poison we hold inside when we cling to past mistakes and traumas. We forgive ourselves for getting to this point. We forgive those who intentionally hurt us for their gain. They no longer have control over my well-being. Thank you for listening, thank you for healing, thank you for walking us into yet another beautiful week. It is in your Holy Name that we pray, Amen!