Letting Go of Bitterness

I had an evening shift at this theatre.

Because of the tube strikes, I was inspired to leave earlier than usual as lots of people are going to be travelling by bus. I planned to travel by bus. From the last stop, I can walk the rest of the way, which takes about ten minutes to the theatre. 

During the bus journey, I could sense the tension around me. I had a knowing that now is the time to stay in my peace, the Peace of God, no matter what. I was reminded of a passage in the Bible that teaches us to let go of all bitterness and anger and forgive as Christ has forgiven us. (Ephesians 4: 31-32) 

The bus driver announced that he was no longer going all the way. I decided to get off at this place called Camden Town and wait for the next bus or the alternative bus route that was going to my destination. When the next bus arrived, it was also only going part of the way. Ditto the next bus. There was no sign of the alternative bus route either. This couple I was chatting to told me they had been waiting for the other bus for over half an hour. I told them I was going to walk the rest of the way and they wished me well.7

I decided if I was going to walk all that way, I would use the scenic route via the canal and through this park.  It was raining on and off.  I thanked God for giving me the strength to walk and for my umbrella to keep me dry

It was nice to be away from the chaos. When I hit central London, the streets were crowded with commuters either waiting for buses or walking.  After stopping at a store to buy some food, I continued my walk through the crowds. It had taken just over an hour to walk to my destination and I arrived half an hour early.

It was great to see  the theatre audience had not  been deterred by the tube strikes. The comedy show was packed full.  

After I finished work, I wondered whether I should travel by the bus route that had let me down earlier. I was inspired to catch that same bus from the first stop.  At the bus stop, I chatted to a passenger about how the tube strikes have created travel chaos and loss of income for millions of people.  She said we should write and complain to newspapers. When our bus finally arrived, I found a comfortable window seat away from the passenger I had been chatting to, as I needed to travel in peace. Within a few stops, the bus was so crowded, the driver was no longer taking on passengers on board.

During the journey, I browsed the news headlines on my phone and discovered Charlie Kirk, a fellow Christian, had been murdered. It was then I realised how pertinent the Scriptures were that God had brought to my attention earlier.  It was like He had been preparing me/us about letting go of bitterness and anger, not just locally but globally. 

As there is only one body of Christ, when a Christian is persecuted anywhere in the world, Christ and all believers in Christ are being persecuted. (Acts 9: 5)

As Christians, we are the light of the world and we are to continuously shine the light of Christ in a world of darkness. 

Peace to all. ❤️

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"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16

"As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."" Acts 9: 3-5

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4: 31-32