Today is different. It’s been months since I last cried during my devotion, not out of emotion, but because I once again heard God speaking directly to me through His Word. So many things were revealed. I finally understood how I became this mess.
Around this same time last year, I was doing well. I used to wonder how I ended up here. But now it’s clear — my heart was offended. It was filled with unforgiveness. It slowly became bitter.
So if there’s anything I could tell you today: Don’t let others define you. Don’t listen to their noise. Don’t let their words break you. Hurt people hurt people. And messy people can make a mess of others. I tried not to think about how they labeled me with so little understanding, “I’m this,” “I’m that.” But a single light punch doesn’t leave a bruise. Thousands of small ones do. This mess wasn’t caused by one single factor. It was the product of many small things that seemed harmless at first. My tears fell like an avalanche. At that moment, it felt as though the bandages were finally removed. In full surrender and humility, I began praying for the people I once held grudges against. I released forgiveness and asked God to bless them even more. I forgave myself, too.
Life is too short to live inside a cage. Don’t keep yourself from the freedom that Jesus died on the cross to give you.
Writings of Red 