Don't let them steal your fruit!

"In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feel like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another." Andy Stanley 

When I read this I knew what God was trying to tell me.  I had unforgiveness in my heart.  Like a growing root it had taken residence. Each time I remembered it, the thought fed and nourished the disdain.


The bible has warned us over and over again about not loving, not forgiving, not sharing grace.  The effects of this lifestyle are evident!  These things rob us of the joy that God wants us to experience!


What lurks in us can be revolting, unlikable, stinky! Not exactly reflecting
the glory of God!

Have you ever had ants infiltrate your home?  It seems as though there is no way to get rid of them.  They are on your counters, in your trash, in the walls, everywhere! These creatures find a way in and continue to come as long as there is something there to nourish them.  If there is no food, they go somewhere else.


Ants are like an unforgiving spirit. It hovers around us looking for something to take away. Eventually, robbing us of the fruit of the Spirit. We must clean up the mess, so that those "thoughts" have nothing to feed on!


But what are we to do with thoughts like these? 

Give them up!

Stop holding onto them. 

Make it right if there is a wrong.

Ask God to bless the person, business, church, family, agency that you have 

bad feelings toward.

Yes, I said to ask God to bless them!

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you 

 Matthew 5:43-44

When you offer this to God, and ask Him to bless. Slowly the hold of this hurt begins to let go.  As if one finger at a time is being unpeeled from the situation. You can feel the building anger and deep hurt slowly begin to fade.  

This is NOT easy and it takes some time.  Each time the angry, accusing thought about that person infiltrates you heart and mind, try uttering these words, "Bless them Lord".

We are to follow in our Father's ways. 

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

Father, the ugly truth is that I have unforgiveness in my heart!  Bless those that I have felt hurt from. Release the hold that this has had on me. Restore to me your joy. I want to live in you freedom and love.  Growing in showing your grace.