“We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us.” Romans 6:6 (NCV)

Our natural inclination is to do the wrong thing. But because of Jesus Christ, our old, sinful nature does not control our lives anymore. Romans 6:6 says, “We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us” (NCV). We still sin, but now we have the power of Christ in us to do what we couldn’t do before.

Our natural inclination is to return a hurt or a slander and hold onto it, never forgiving that person. But all the things we are naturally inclined to do actually make it worse.

The good news is, we can break that bondage to bitterness, guilt, and resentment. We can keep from becoming slaves to the past and hurtful memories.

We can choose to forgive.

There is no other way to let go of the emotions that weigh you down than to look to the cross. It has the power to free you from grudges and grief. You don’t have to walk with the weight of resentment. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can release that hurt, forgive that person, and walk in freedom instead.

I want you to think of the person you need to forgive, the person whose offense planted a seed of bitterness in you, and I want you to pray this prayer right now:

“God, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive the person who hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to ask for your forgiveness. I’m sorry for how I’ve hurt others, and I want to make it right with you and them. Thank you for your grace that I need every day. Today I’m letting go of my resentment and choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Please heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”