Bible Study - Bitterness

Read the recommended Bible passages and the thought-provoking blurb below. Send your partner a letter or notecard answering the questions at the end of this post. Don't forget to pray and invite the Lord into your study time.

Bible passages to read and reflect on this week:

Hebrews 12:1-17

Romans 12:19

Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness sounds like a good idea… until it’s personal. It’s easy to talk about forgiveness in theory. Harder when it’s tied to something someone actually said. Or did. Or didn’t do when you needed them to. Sometimes it’s a single moment. Sometimes it’s something that’s been building for years. If you’ve ever wrestled with that, you’re not alone. When the Bible talks about forgiveness, it’s not pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s not excusing it. And it’s not saying it didn’t matter. Forgiveness is choosing to release the weight of it. To stop carrying what someone else did. To let go of the need to hold it over them. That’s not easy. But it’s at the center of how God relates to us. Ready to Forgive? Here are a few simple ways to Begin: 1. Start with honesty. You don’t have to pretend it didn’t hurt. God can handle the truth. 2. Make the choice (even if the feeling isn’t there yet) 3. Pray for them (even if it feels awkward) 4. Let go of the need to get even. The Bible says: “Never take revenge… leave that to God.” (Romans 12:19). 5. Rely on God’s strength, not just your own

Are you holding on to any bitterness?

How is this bitterness/unforgiveness effecting your peace or your relationship with the Lord

Write a quick prayer for the person you need to forgive, or the bitterness you need to let go of.

Did you have any other thoughts or questions from your study this week? Share your thoughts!