Things Christians Need To Let Go Of… – By Iwalola(Lola) Ademodi

~ 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐆𝐎𝐃’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏

Beloved, the Bible encourages Christians to let go of various things, which we will explore in today’s devotional.

Here are some specific things believers must to let go of:

𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒

The Bible emphasizes the source sinful desires, as human nature (the flesh) and the need to resist them.

James 1:14-15 highlights that temptation comes from within, when our own desires lure us away.

Also, Roman 6:12 urges us believers not to let sin control our lives or gratify sinful desires.

Additionally, Colossians 3:5 commands followers to put to death earthly desires like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and greed, which are considered idolatry.

𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus states,

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.”

The word often translated “forgive” carries the sense of “let go” or “release.”

Forgiveness, according to Jesus, is not optional for followers of God; it reflects His own grace toward humanity.

𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒

Ephesians 4:31-32 urges believers

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”

The command to “get rid of” anger or bitterness underscores an intentional release of negative emotions, anchored in the redemptive work of Christ.

𝐍𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑𝐒

The Bible explicitly calls for letting go of bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice, urging instead kindness and compassion, and forgiveness.

Isaiah 43:18-19 encourages us to forgetting former things and looking forward to the new things God is doing.

Also 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that those in Christ are new creations, with old things passed away.

𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐒

Romans 12:19 states,

“Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

This teaching underscores that letting go includes leaving justice in God’s hands. By not returning evil for evil, believers entrust both their personal wounds and God’s ultimate reckoning to His righteous judgment.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐑

Christ’s instruction regarding anxiety in the Sermon on the Mount points to an active letting go.

Matthew 6:34 tells us…

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own”

Also Philippians 4:6-7 instructs believers to…

“be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Rather than yielding to worry, believers are called to trust that their Heavenly Father knows and provides for every need.

Through open communion with God, believers can lay down worries and fears.

𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅-𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐄

Romans 8:1 reminds believers that there is

“now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

This verse frees us from the weight of self-accusation.

𝐔𝐍𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐘 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐒

Jesus extends His invitation in Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

This rest is found in surrendering control and acknowledging His gentle lordship, letting go of personal striving and any reluctance to allow Him to take the lead.

Also Luke 17:33 AMP tells us…

“Whoever seeks to save his life will [eventually] lose it [through death], and whoever loses his life [in this world] will keep it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God].”

This verse speaks of letting go of one’s life to save it, and Christians are encouraged to examine what they are clinging to too tightly and pray for God’s guidance in letting go of things that hinder their walk with Him.

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓

In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul encourages believers

“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.”

Here, letting go of past failures and achievements is essential for ongoing spiritual growth.

𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘

Most gracious God, thank You that through Your help we can let go of those things that easily trips us in our Christian walk.

Thank You, Lord Jesus for letting us experience forgiveness in You, so we can forgive others.

Thank You, Holy Spirit for empowering us to let go of desires that are harmful to our Christian lives.

Abide with us always Lord Jesus.

In the majestic name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Have a blessed day