"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has

forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Heavenly Father, I know my problem. I want to hurt the one who hurt me. With every fiber of my being, I want to strike back, and make that person feel the pain I feel. This hunger for revenge is so strong, so palatable, that I feel out of control. Yet deep inside, at the same time, a still small voice warns me to move in the opposite direction, forgiveness. I perceive that this urging is from you, because not a single inch of my flesh desires to let my troubler off the hook. So, dear Jesus, change my heart. I know you tell me that retaliatory anger does not produce the righteous life you desire for me (James 1:20). You tell me that you cannot forgive me if I don't forgive others who hurt me (Matthew 6:14). You tell me that paying someone back hurt for hurt is the act of a fool (Ecclesiastes 7:9). You tell me that vengeance belongs to you, and you will repay (Hebrews 10:30). You instruct me to put retaliatory anger out of my life, and be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. O God, I don't see how I can, but I'm willing to be made willing. I choose to receive your instructions and warnings. Come immediately, Lord. I confess my sin of anger and disgust with my feelings. Forgive me. Change me. I choose forgiveness and reconciliation for the sake of your honor and my good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

by Jack Manor