30 Days of SurrenderSýnishorn

Reflection:
Resentment was a weight I carried for far too long. As a child, I endured abuse, neglect, and abandonment from people who were supposed to protect and love me. Their actions—or lack thereof—left deep wounds, and the pain followed me into adulthood. Though I tried to move on, I didn’t realize that the unforgiveness I held was shaping how I lived, loved, and even how I saw myself.

For years, I believed holding onto resentment gave me control. It felt like a shield, a way to protect myself from further harm. But in reality, it was a prison. My inability to forgive kept me bound to the pain of my past. I struggled to trust others, and my relationships were strained by the walls I built to keep people out.

God began to show me through His Word that forgiveness wasn’t about excusing what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt. Forgiveness was about releasing the burden of bitterness to Him so that He could heal me. Ephesians 4:31-32 became a lifeline, reminding me that bitterness and malice were not His will for my life. He was calling me to something better: kindness, compassion, and the freedom that comes with forgiveness.

Letting go wasn’t easy. I had to face the pain I had tried to bury. I had to grieve what I lost in my childhood and release the anger I felt toward those who had hurt me. But as I surrendered my resentment to God, He began to work in my heart. He replaced bitterness with His peace and filled the empty spaces with His love.

Forgiveness didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t erase the memories of what I endured. But it changed how I carried them. Instead of allowing my past to define me, I let God use it to refine me. By letting go of resentment, I made room for His grace to flow through me, bringing healing to my heart and strength to my story.

Prayer of Surrender:
Lord, You see the pain I’ve carried for so long. I confess the unforgiveness and resentment in my heart toward those who hurt me. Help me to release these burdens to You and trust You to bring healing and justice in Your perfect way. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me, and fill my heart with Your peace. Amen.

Action Step:
Take time today to write down the names of those you need to forgive. Pray over each name, asking God to help you release resentment and open your heart to forgiveness. Trust Him to begin the healing process, one step at a time.