When Forgiving Feels Impossible | Jentezen Franklin

Sooner or later, every family faces challenges when the enemy tries to infiltrate. Imagine the enemy bringing a bitter dish, like bitter herbs. It arrives uninvited, but you face a decision: let it consume you or take those bitter herbs and mix them with the sweet lamb. Instead of letting it make you bitter, choose to let it make you better. With God’s grace, everything works together for good, and you can trust that it will guide you to your destiny and purpose. Just as Jesus overcame, you too can emerge stronger and greater.

Have you ever been served a side dish of bitterness—whether through family troubles or life challenges? Anger may try to take root in your spirit, but you must decide not to let it. The remedy? Mix the bitterness with the sweetness of the Lamb of God. Ephesians 4 says, “Be angry, but do not sin.” It’s okay to feel anger, but don’t let it control you. Don’t let it turn you into someone who destroys relationships because you can’t move past what others have done to you. Instead, allow God to help you release that anger.

Ephesians further teaches us not to let the sun go down on our anger, lest we give the devil a foothold. If you allow anger to linger, it creates space for the enemy to wreak havoc in your life, relationships, and home. But when you choose to release the anger, you shut the door on the devil. By forgiving, you take away his power.

Consider the story of Ahithophel, one of King David’s most trusted counselors. He was deeply hurt by King David’s actions toward his family, especially the tragic events involving Bathsheba. His anger simmered for years, and when David was forced to flee from his son Absalom’s rebellion, Ahithophel turned his back on David and joined Absalom’s side. His bitterness drove him to suggest publicly shaming David by violating his wives—an act of revenge for the wrongs David had done to his family.

Ahithophel couldn’t let go of his anger, and it consumed him. His inability to forgive led to spiritual destruction. Similarly, when the Apostle Paul was bitten by a serpent, he had a choice: let the poison affect him or resist. Holding on to anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness is like spiritual suicide, and although it may not harm you immediately, it will eventually take its toll.

Choose forgiveness, mix the bitter with the sweet, and trust God to turn your trials into triumphs.