Restoring a Bitter Heart
Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Offer forgiveness. (Never be wise in your own sight)
a. Be clear about the sin done against you. (Actions & Words)
b. Be clear about the debt owed to you. (The cost and impact of the sin)
c. Upon repentance forgive wholeheartedly as you have been forgiven.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Luke 17:3-6
'He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.
What if they don't repent?
Romans 12:19-21
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Give the debt to God and ask him to collect.
“Leave it to the wrath of God.”
Come up with a practical way to do good in proportion to the evil done to you.
“Overcome evil with good.”
Wisdom says in the case of abuse do not interact with the abuser.
Debt
Justice
Payment
Forgiveness