“When we live in grace, releasing doesn’t mean giving up, it means giving it up to God. . . . You loosen your grip from the pain of what was done to you and you place it in God’s hands.”- Kyle Idleman
As Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 5 of Grace Is Greater, he presents the final two ways we deal with our hurts and anger.
2. Rehearsal. Pastor Idleman notes we all love to watch our favorite movies again and again. However, we often unintentionally rehash out least favorite memories. Kyle explains:
“We keep the moment of betrayal or the hateful words or the unfair treatment cued up and ready to play. You don’t repress what happened, you rehearse it. Rehash it. Replay it. Again and again. And it turns your heart into resentment.”
As a result, the devil gets a foothold, or staging ground. Consequently, the devil walks through the open door of our anger and resentment. Thus, he gains access to the rest of the rooms in our house. Allowing the weeds of bitterness and rage to grow chokes out the fruit that the Holy Spirit desires to produce in our lives.
3. Release. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Pastor Idleman believes, Paul isn’t trying to be simplistic or dismissive in regards to getting rid of anger. Rather, Paul wants us to understand that getting rid of anger represents the only option.
Furthermore, releasing anger is far from simplistic. In fact, it’s extremely difficult- perhaps even impossible- on your own.
Citing Luke’s account of the death of Stephen in the Book of Acts (Chapter 7), Kyle notes Stephen prayed that God would forgive his murderers. Ultimately, Kyle adds, God’s forgiveness matters most, not ours.
In conclusion, Kyle recommended this first step in forgiveness- “ask God to do what you haven’t been able to do.” Prayer makes forgiveness possible, as it functions as the release valve for your negative feelings. Finally, forgiveness involves you and God.
Today’s question: What Bible verses support you in releasing or loosening your grip from the pain of what was done to you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the new Short Meditation, “God made you to flourish”
