Letting go of bitterness

[Kelly]

We're all supposed to forgive and forget, but of course sometimes it's just hard! Tonight would be one of those times for me. Stuff happened tonight that left me with the most bitter feelings towards my brother, and I can't get rid of them! I'm just so upset I almost can't even breathe! I tried calling a friend to vent, that didn't help. I listened to music, that didn't help.

I don't know, maybe I just need to sleep on it, but what do you all do when you find it hard to forgive or forget something? Anyone know any good verses that'll help me?

[Psalms23]

Hey Kelly,

I have found a sermon (layout) over bitterness on my chruch's website. Its a word doc. If you would like for me to e-mail you the file I can. Just send me a PM with your e-mail address and i would be willing to send it to you.
If you need anything please let me know.
Aaron

"Don't Let Yesterday Run Today"

[Kelly]

That would be so great Aaron! I thought I'd feel better after a good night's sleep, but no luck.

Here's what happened though, just so you have an idea of where I'm coming from. My dad and two of my brothers have a weekly gig together at the restaurant where my mom is the manager. Well last night at their gig, my dad and older brother weren't getting along, and my dad was being really professional about it, just putting on a happy face for the crowd, but my brother was literally yelling out insults at my dad the entire time. I could actually hear what he was saying from where I was sitting the crowd! I couldn't even look at them after a while....I was so uncomfortable. So I went in to see if mom needed help closing up the restaurant and she had heard what was going on from my other brother who actually left for that very reason, and she was all upset and uncomfortable because her boss was out there watching the band and witnessing all this! I just couldn't believe my brother who is a grown man would act that way towards his own father in public, and risk my mother's job at the same time! It was not a good night to say the least. And apparently, my brother has quit the band, so I don't know if dad's going to keep that gig solo or not. I hate to see him lose it because of my brother's immaturity, because it's an awesome gig!

Weird thing is, I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out why this bugs me so much when I'm not even directly involved!

[DawnAurora]

That would be so great Aaron! I thought I'd feel better after a good night's sleep, but no luck.

Here's what happened though, just so you have an idea of where I'm coming from. My dad and two of my brothers have a weekly gig together at the restaurant where my mom is the manager. Well last night at their gig, my dad and older brother weren't getting along, and my dad was being really professional about it, just putting on a happy face for the crowd, but my brother was literally yelling out insults at my dad the entire time. I could actually hear what he was saying from where I was sitting the crowd! I couldn't even look at them after a while....I was so uncomfortable. So I went in to see if mom needed help closing up the restaurant and she had heard what was going on from my other brother who actually left for that very reason, and she was all upset and uncomfortable because her boss was out there watching the band and witnessing all this! I just couldn't believe my brother who is a grown man would act that way towards his own father in public, and risk my mother's job at the same time! It was not a good night to say the least. And apparently, my brother has quit the band, so I don't know if dad's going to keep that gig solo or not. I hate to see him lose it because of my brother's immaturity, because it's an awesome gig!

Weird thing is, I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out why this bugs me so much when I'm not even directly involved!

Well, it's your Dad who was treated poorly, and your family that stands to lose out because your brother wouldn't keep private disputes private, most people would be bugged!

I find it helps to take three deep breaths and remember how much the Lord has forgiven me for.

[LauraA]

Besides reading about the crucifixion where Jesus died for all of us, even the most vile sinners....it helps me to remember some of the terrible things I've done in my life and to know that the Lord dealt with me and brought me to repentance. Pray for your brother. Pray blessings upon him, pray love upon him. Thank Jesus for allowing you to have a brother and a family. Walk by faith and not by sight. Pray as though the bitterness is gone, thank him for removing it. Stand back and see the Lord take over the bitterness and cast it from you. Speak words of forgiveness to your brother even if he's not there to hear them. Read Galatians 5.

Just off the top of my head....we're still on vacation.

I'm praying for ya.