Blog

Feb 27, 2026 06:00am

Stuck in the Replay? How Christ Breaks the Cycle of Bitterness

30 Views

We replay conversations over and over in our minds. I should have said this… I wish I would have done that…

But no matter how many times we replay the moment, the end result is the same. Nothing changes.

We have a choice to make.

Will I continue to hold onto anger, hurt, and pain? Or will I choose to forgive, to let it go, and move on?

I will be honest. I struggle with that sometimes. It is hard to forget.

Forgive.

That is what Scripture says. That is what Jesus commands.

Ephesians 4:31–32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Yet here I am again, filled with anger and hurt as if it just happened.

Am I not practicing forgiveness correctly?

How can I do better?

And there it is—the answer revealed.

It is not about what I can do. It is about what Christ can do in me.

Maybe it is hard to forget. But when the memory returns, instead of traveling down winding roads of bitterness, I can take my thoughts captive and bring them to the feet of Jesus.

Every time the memory comes to mind. Every time I see their face. Every time someone brings up their name.

Each time, I will go to the Lord and surrender it.

The enemy can use our struggles to draw us into a life filled with bitterness and unforgiveness. But our Lord—

He is the Prince of Peace.

He holds all authority in His mighty hands.

He has the power to create and to change.

He knows every thought we think and every word that is spoken.

My God is more powerful than my struggle.

So here I am again, Lord, asking You to keep my mind focused on You. Heal the broken places in me. Release the bitterness I feel. Remind me that forgiveness flows from You. Let it flow through me. And if I try to pick it up again, if it returns to my mind as it has before, lead me back to Your throne of grace. Let me touch the hem of Your garment and feel Your healing peace rush over me. Let me forgive as You have forgiven me.