Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:31)
Someone once said, "To harbor bitterness toward someone is like swallowing poison and then waiting for that person to die." It seems that we're a society made up of angry people. If you doubt it, just take a drive in heavy traffic. We are one stressed-out generation-- filled with rage and eaten-up with bitterness.
We're angry with friends, family, fellow employees, employers, and at life in general. Many of us are even mad at ourselves and exasperated over the results of bad choices that we've made. We find ourselves echoing the words of David, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." (Psalm 51:3)
We're bitter over the way we've been treated by those around us. Incredibly, we expect, and even demand, justice from an unjust world! And then we become all bent out of shape when we don't get it.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
We seem to forget these words of Jesus. The phrase He used was "In this world you will have trouble." He didn't say, "Maybe you will... " or, "There's a good chance that you will... " No, he said that we could count on having trouble in the world.
Why? Simple... the world is filled with those pesky little parasites called... people... humans. And as you know, people are anything but perfect. Humans like to bite and we relish the opportunity to feed on one another. They will frequently let you down, disappoint you, sadden you, lie to you, and break promises. There are times when someone will downright run over you like a steamroller. What do you expect from humanity... perfection from imperfection? That's simply not possible. Our behavior with one another should not surprise anyone. Note the words of the Apostle Peter...
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (1Peter 4:12)
Considering this fact of our human nature... why should we be hurt and embittered when someone rattles our cage? Hey, we were warned... by God.
We have little control over the cards life deals us, but as Christians, we do have control over what we do with the cards we have been dealt.
I personally know of people who have virtually sacrificed their entire lives on the alter of bitterness. They've completely surrendered their will to the ghastly power of bitterness. Bitterness is a deadly cancer that eats away at hope and peace. It's a self-ingested poison that destroys homes, marriages, and devastates churches.
For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin. (Acts 8:23)
Bitterness is akin to a slow angonizingly painful suicide... and most certainly, if left untreated, will be spiritual suicide. It devastates so many brethren and so much potential for good works in the Kingdom of God.
It's one of the ugliest forms of pride and a slap in the face of the One who "was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Is.53:7) It's little wonder that God's WORD admonishes us to "Get rid of all bitterness."
Consider these passages of Scripture if you are one who is fighting a battle with bitterness. Meditate on them and engage them in your prayer of renewal to God. Seek the wisdom and counsel of the shepherds of God’s Church. The process will be slow and emotionally painful... but God assures us that if we immerse ourselves in Him, He will help us overcome rage, bitterness and strife.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." The words of Jesus. (Mark 11:25)
"Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation." The Lord's Prayer. (Luke 11:4)
"If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." The words of Jesus. (Luke 17:4)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. The words of the Apostle Paul. (Eph. 4:32)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. The words of the Apostle Paul. (Col. 3:13)
Remember... ETERNITY is at stake.
