Growing up, I saw first-hand the effects bitterness can have on a person. From an early age, vowed that I would never allow it to take root in my heart. I’ve always made a conscious effort at forgiveness. Yet, I recently recognized that I’ve allowed bitterness to set in when those close to me don’t live up to my expectations. And I know that this only reveals my own spiritual immaturity.
When I feel let down and frustrated by people, it’s tempting to reject them and try to find others who can be counted on. The truth, though, is that I will find just as many weaknesses in the next person (and likely the same ones), If I’m living in Christ and experiencing His victory, I need to see them through to the end, which means lots of love, compassion, and especially forgiveness. That is abiding in Christ. That is true Christianity; offering to others the grace that God has offered to my own sinful heart. Not my judgment, my rules or my rejection.
By loving my family, God can work through me to bring healing and transformation in them, as well as in me. I don’t believe it’s the job of a Christian to emulate Jesus. I’ve been aware of this for myself and yet have expected it from my family. What I really want, though – for them and for me – is to share in Christ’s victory over bitterness, unforgiveness, selfishness and the weakness of giving up on those we love.
As I prayed for God to produce this fruit in me, I felt a strong conviction to pass on to my family this great love that has lately become real to me in a way I’ve never before known. Though my love falls far short, this treasure, worth its weight in gold, is what I really wish to give to them.