Thursday, April 5, 2018

Unforgiveness Speaks Louder than Words


In a dimly lit courtroom, she represented herself, but her ex-boyfriend had a lawyer. She was there to get protection, she was afraid and with good reason. She recounted story after story of malice committed against her. The fear was almost undetectable behind the anger which spewed from her lips. Even as she spoke the truth was hard to hear over the venom.


She dressed casually while her ex-boyfriend and his lawyer were in their Sunday best. They were quiet and calm even as the lava erupted from her mouth.

This man and woman had a three and a half year relationship and he had been harassing her after a breakup. She just wanted protection. She yelled and accused, but no one sat with her to authenticate her story, so it was dismissed as hearsay. Her fear increased because she knew she would not get the protection she was seeking.

“He is married,” she yelled, but seemingly no one heard as she continued to hurl insults at him. “He is married,” and as significant as it sounded it got no attention because the poison flowing from her mouth was too strong, too loud. Her tongue released fiery darts piercing everyone in the room.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Hebrews 12:15

She left enraged, yelling, “I hate him,” over and over again as she stormed out of the courtroom. He respectfully asked, “Is it safe to leave the building?” Now he appeared to be the victim and the bailiff summoned more officers to the courtroom and parking lot.


Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28 

This happens all too often as we hold onto unforgiveness. She had a legitimate fear, but the bitterness and unforgiveness shrouded all traces. She left a woman scorned and he left unscathed. It seems unfair, unjust even.


“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:14-18

When we give ourselves over to bitterness people can no longer see or hear us. It will speak for itself and conceal any truth we try to convey. She had every right to be afraid and seek protection, but her unforgiveness kept her from getting what she needed most.

There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. Amos 5:7

1 comment:

  1. I may be delayed in reading this but it’s being read at exactly the right time!

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