Bitterness

I’m sure all of us can identify with the emotion of bitterness. What we thought was a good friendship suddenly dissolves. We are betrayed. Someone takes advantage of us. It’s been my experience that these situations aren’t just one day affairs, they usually linger for days. I struggle at times trying to get over the bitterness I feel when I am hurt in some way.

What is most important is learning how to deal with it. The apostle Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32.

If we are to deal with bitterness, we must approach it from the positive side. We must be willing to forgive. If we continue in bitterness, we might eventually seek revenge; and furthermore, the bitterness will also wear us down.

If we find it hard to move forward with forgiveness, then we need to pray that God would change our hearts. It is God who can work good within us so that we do find wholeness for what is disturbing us and help to bring healing.

How much has bitterness crept into your life? Do you have any other suggestions for dealing with this emotion?