Get Over It!
God gives you the grace to forgive; forgiveness offers the grace to get over it.
“See to it . . that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble.” Hebrews 12:15 NIV.
There will be things that happen when the best thing you can do is just get over it. Things happen in families, between friends, in churches, at school, at work, or on the highway. Something is said about you, or to you, that hurts your feelings; get over it. Something is done that you feel was unfair; get over it. Some recognition or opportunity that should have been yours was given to another; get over it. That is easier said than done, but really is the best thing to do for yourself, as well as the kindest thing you can do for others.
Saying what you refuse to not say? You eventually regret it. Reacting as you feel like doing? You merely complicate the problem. However good those may feel momentarily, you can damage a relationship in ways that might never be mended, and you can plant a seed of resentment that will grow with less than pleasant results. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s eyes.” James 1:19-20 NLT. Ultimately, that is most important – “things right in God’s eyes” What else matters? The Bible’s wise counsel is, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone . . do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:18/21 NIV. Your wrong reaction makes the original cause of offense irrelevant to God. You cannot control what others do; you must choose what is right for you to do in response.
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men . . See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 NIV. This practical verse teaches four things. (1) Bitterness develops a power and life of its own, however small it begins. (2) Bitterness grows when indulged, no matter how justified those feelings seem. (3) Bitterness defiles relationships beyond any expectation. (4) Bitterness is a symptom of your failing to accept the grace of God for the wrong you feel, whether real or imagined. Bitterness is proof of insistence on your right to hold onto a grievance, even after God says, “Forgive!” That never works out well.
And what is this grace that is yours? God gives you the grace to forgive; forgiveness offers the grace to get over it. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words . . instead be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you . . you have clothed yourself with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.” Ephesians 4:31-32/ Colossians 3:10 NLT. God’s Word provides a proven formula for how marriages work best, families stay strongest, and friendships last longest.
My prayer for you today is this: when unfortunate things happen, forgive and get over it.