I think my husband inwardly groans each time we go to the seed store in the spring. I dally there, in front of those seeds,  reading the packages, until I have picked the perfect seeds for my garden.

Often, he has gone to get something he needs, taking his time, only to find me still standing in front of those seeds.

Then comes the planting.

I love to watch what I’ve planted pushing its way out of the ground, going from a small dot poking its head out, to a full-grown plant, standing tall and proud.

Though I love planting seeds in the natural, I know that we can also plant seeds in the spirit. One of those seeds is the wrongs you’ve experienced from others. When you are wronged, you have a choice. You can look at the offense, dwell upon it and let it fester until it creates a root of bitterness. Or, you can choose to do things God’s way, and plant forgiveness, believing God for a double blessing ( Zechariah 9:12).

How To Plant Bitterness

To plant the root of bitterness, all you must do is dwell on that wrong and stay angry. Repeat the offense to everyone who will listen. Soon you will be unable to think about anything else, and your anger will turn to hatred. You will have grown a bitter root, and you will poison those around you with it (Hebrews 12:15).

How To Plant Forgiveness

Planting the seed of forgiveness is a little harder, it needs a bit more nurturing. But the harvest you will yield will be well worth the work.

To plant the seed of forgiveness, choose to forgive at every opportunity. A prayer you can pray is:

Father, I choose to forgive _______ for ___________. I choose to release ___________ into your hands. ____________ is your burden, and not mine. In Jesus name, Amen.

Set Boundaries so that you are not constantly hurt over and over. It’s ok to say no to people who aren’t healthy or are doing you wrong. Jesus did it all the time, and so did Paul. Both openly rebuked people and left their presence when they were abusive. The only time they stayed is when the Holy Spirit led them to.

Then, wait and nurture. Just as I wait for those little seeds I plant in my garden to grow, nurturing them by watering and feeding, you wait for the seeds of forgiveness to rise in your life. You nurture them by reminding yourself you have forgiven and continually releasing the person into God’s hands anytime the offense comes to mind. keep the weeds of offense away by refusing to dwell on it.

When that forgiveness stands up tall in the garden of your heart, it will yield a harvest that was well worth the wait. You will gain freedom from hatred and bitterness. You will have freedom to be happy, despite the pain you went through, and the Lord will honor your obedience.

What seed will you choose to plant today?

In His love,

Carolyn

© Carolyn Rice 2017

Lord, I’m Broken is Available on Amazon, Barnesandnoble, Christianbook.com and wherever books are sold online.