Bitterness, resentment, and anger have no place in a heart as beautiful as yours.

Tackle issues not people. Am I trying to prove my point or improve the relationship?

A Jesus girl who rises up and unexpectedly gives grace when she surely could have done otherwise reveals the power and the mystery of Christ at work — in her life and in the world.

The hurt was caused by someone else, but the resulting feelings are mine to manage.

Whenever any kind of relationship conflict arises, my choice is whether to give the other person power to control my emotions.

Love can be unconditional but relational access never should be. Notice that the words sin and iniquity

Another act of forgiveness means even more healing and clarity. Another intentional brushstroke of beauty slowly replacing the darkness with hues of healing light.

Or, "Most of the time when you open your mouth, make known the gospel. But if you're feeling really, really hurt, rally other people around your cause and make this other person look as bad as you can.

In the meantime, it's unfair of me to use my expectations as the standard for their behavior or hold it against them when they don't live up to my hopes.

had been massively damaged. There was repentance. There was forgiveness. There was an acceptance that, just because something wasn't right for a long time, it doesn't mean it can't be made right over time. There was some healing we both did individually. And then there was the decision that it was time to heal together. There was a beautiful vow renewal.

Just because we extend forgiveness doesn't mean we keep that person in our close-knit circle.

Grace given when it feels least deserved is the only antidote for bitter rot. I