The Cross Says ‘Let It Go’

Current Teaching Series The Miracle of Mercy

The Cross Says 'Let It Go' By Rick Warren — Apr 14, 2017 “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others” (Hebrews 12:15 Phillips). Forgiveness is free. But it’s not cheap. It cost Jesus Christ his life. And it’s also not easy. Forgiveness can only occur when the offended person volunteers to assume the debt and not to get even or seek revenge. That’s what Jesus did for us. That’s what he calls us to do for others. But how can you release your hurt? The Bible tells us there are three steps we can take to find freedom from unforgiveness. Leave it to God. Give up your right to get even. Trying to get even only escalates the conflict. Instead, let God settle the score. Heal it with grace. The only way to let go of your hurt is to get ahold of God’s grace. The Bible says, “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others” (Hebrews 12:15 Phillips). Bitterness is contagious. Nail it to the Cross. The Cross is God’s answer to all your needs. Jesus died so you could be forgiven. He died so you could be set free from fear, bitterness, and resentment. There is no psychology, no therapy, no pill, no self-help seminar that can set you free like the power of the cross. The Bible says, “We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us and we would not be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6 NCV). Don’t be a slave any longer to the sin of unforgiveness. Release your grip on the person who hurt you. Do it every day if you have to. No matter how often that painful memory returns, bring it to God, ask for his grace, and then leave your hurt at the cross. Talk It Over Why is it tough to give up your right to get even? How have you seen yourself or others become slaves to the sin of unforgiveness? What person or people do you need to forgive? Ask God to give you the grace to do so this week. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Our Gift: The Miracle of Mercy Study Kit Experience more mercy in your life! There’s a reason God talks about mercy so much in the Bible – because it’s one of the most important character traits He wants to develop in us! That’s why Pastor Rick Warren put together his brand-new The Miracle of Mercy DVD study kit. In its six lessons, you’ll learn how mercy can help you… • Forgive those who’ve hurt you • Heal your own hurts • Mend broken relationships • Be more patient with difficult people • Cultivate a servant’s heart LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes six full length teaching CD's from Pastor Rick's series The Miracle of Mercy. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Message 1: ​​Easter Means It's a New Day of Mercy Message 2: God Can Use Anybody Message 3: God's Mercy and My Failures ​Message 4: How Much You Matter to God Message 5: Showing Mercy to Your Family Message 6: Being an Agent of Mercy in the World PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe