In the book The Telling Room author Michael Peteniti shares the true story of a very old woman who walked from her home to the cemetery and back every day. Rain or shine, she walked up the hillside every day to spit on her archenemy’s grave.

Christians can be just as eaten up with bitterness, but we must not be. Ephesians 4:31 urges believers to “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger…be put away from you, with all malice.” When bitterness has grown in our souls, we need to allow the Lord to produce the acronym of H-E-A- L-I-N-G within us. Healing begins by Handing over the offender to the Lord. Romans 12:17 tells us, “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” It may not be what our flesh wants to hear, but only the Lord has the right to take action against the wrong doer. Healing continues when Emotions are given to God. Philippians 4:6-7 promises that when you let your “…requests be made known unto God…the peace of God, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Regardless of our circumstances, when we pray, God can heal our hurting emotions. Healing comes by Accepting the consequence of our hurt. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God….” Our omnipotent God is able to take the worst of circumstances and bring good to our lives as an end result. So, trust Him. Healing comes by Looking for God’s Lesson in our trial. Paul tells us while in his worst persecution, he learned,“…that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God…” (II Corinthians 1:9). When trials come, look for a spiritual life lesson. Healing can be achieved by Investing in the wrongdoer. Admittedly, this is a hard one. Romans 12:21 tells us to “be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” It helps you refocus and helps soften the wrongdoer. Healing is improved when we Note our responsibility to forgive the offender. Colossians 3:12-13 urges believers to “put on…mercies, kindness…longsuffering…even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Healing is complete when we choose to Go on with life without remaining paralyzed. Reliving hurtful events, or refusing to move forward with life, only deepens the wound in our spirit. Therefore, Colossians 3:15 counsels us to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called….”

Let the Great Physician heal your heart by applying these principles.