Bitterness doesn’t always arrive loudly—it settles quietly and takes root in our hearts. Here’s how choosing forgiveness leads to true freedom.

When Bitterness Takes Root

Bitterness doesn’t usually arrive loudly.

It settles quietly—after the hurt, the injustice, the unanswered prayers, the moments that cut deeper than we expected.

And if we’re not careful, it takes root.

I’ve learned that bitterness doesn’t just live in the past—it slowly steals from the present. It tightens its grip until joy feels distant, peace feels heavy, and God’s goodness becomes harder to see. Left untouched, it drains the life right out of us from the inside.

The Truth I Had to Face

The hard truth?

I can’t uproot bitterness on my own.

I’ve tried.

Willpower isn’t enough.

Self-help isn’t enough.

I need God’s strength—every single time.

That’s why I cling to this reminder:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Not because I’m strong—but because He is.

Bitterness vs. Forgiveness

Here’s what I’m still learning:

Bitterness and forgiveness can’t coexist.

If I want freedom, forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s the way out.

And forgiveness doesn’t always come easily—especially when the other person isn’t sorry… or doesn’t even believe they did anything wrong.

Some wounds are deeply personal.

No one else fully knows what we carry in our hearts.

But God does.

And He never asks us to heal alone.

The Sweetness That Heals

God’s forgiveness is the sweetness that washes the bitterness away—the medicine my soul actually needs.

Even when my human nature wants to hold on, Jesus makes a different way possible. Because of the cross, bitterness doesn’t get to be my master anymore.

Choosing a New Season

As a new season begins, I’m choosing to let it go.

Not because it didn’t hurt.

Not because it didn’t matter.

But because I don’t want to carry it forward.

And if this speaks to you today, I hope and pray you’ll choose to let go too.

The Bible reminds us that when we trust God and release it into His hands, He says:

“Vengeance is Mine.”

We don’t have to carry the weight of payback or justice—God knows far better how to deal with people and situations than we ever could.

Moving Forward Free

So let’s move forward.

Dust ourselves off.

Release what’s been weighing us down.

And be free.

Choosing grace.

Choosing peace.

Choosing freedom—again and again.

If this encouraged you, take a moment today to pray, reflect, and ask God what He’s inviting you to release.  Feel free to share it with someone who may need encouragement today.

— Kirthana