Introduction: Jesus came that you could live in freedom--free from the bondages of sin and hurt.  His desire is for you to live in the reality He has provided.

Jesus said,  (from Isaiah 61:1)  (Luke 4:18)

Key Question:  How do you handle your hurt?

Three Types of People In Your Life  (Ephesians 4:25)

• Scenery People—those who are just there

• Service People—those who serve you or you serve

• Special People—those you are bonded to and care for

Three Possibilities of Hurt

• Love can turn to Hatred

• Trust can turn to Cynicism

• High Expectation can turn to Disappointment

Three Wrong Reactions to Hurt

• From the Emotions—Anger (explode or implode) (Ephesians 4:26-27)

• From the Mind—Bitterness (Ephesians 4:30-31) (Hebrews 12:14-15)

        Bitterness Leads To Stages of Bondage:

           --bruised  --blinded   --bound   --broken

• From the Will—Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

• Forgiveness is always a choice

• Forgiveness addresses the hurt you tend to avoid

• Forgiveness involves a cost to restore the relationship

Application: To rid yourself from the bondage of bitterness you must:

--acknowledge the hurt you have towards God for allowing it

--acknowledge that your bitterness and unforgiving spirit is wrong

--realize that the charges you have must be dropped

--realize all your judgments must be canceled

Conclusion: How to know if you have handled your hurt correctly?

--anger will turn to a gentle spirit

--bitterness will turn to a grateful heart

--a unforgiving spirit will turn to compassion = FREEDOM