God's broad spectrum antibiotic for bitterness is called forgiveness. It is easily available, but expensive and often difficult to administer. God, however, demands you to use it, for he warns in Matthew 6:15, "But if you do not forgive men of their sins, your Father will not forgive you of your sins." Such strong motivation may make you sincerely want to forgive, but your hurt is often so deep that you feel you just cannot. UNDERSTAND WHAT FORGIVENESS IS. To think you cannot forgive is usually the result of not understanding forgiveness. Forgiveness is simply the way you behave toward the one who has hurt you. As human beings, we want to base forgiveness on our feelings. We think we must feel forgiveness before we can forgive. God knew these feelings would follow the actions, and he has instructed how we should forgive by teaching how we should behave:
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult but with blessing." (1 Peter 3:9)
"If your enemy hunger, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." (Proverbs 25:21)
"Bless those who persecute you." (Romans 12:14)
We can learn from the example in the garden when Jesus healed the ear of the soldier who came to take him to a false trial (Luke 22:51). Let us all focus on our responses to situations, and follow through in obedience to the Lord. What a lovely environment to worship with forgiving hearts and a clear conscience. God bless you!