Monday, September 5, 2011

Bitterness

How do we become bitter?
We become bitter when we demand our way and stop forgiving and forgetting. We would do well to remember that God has forgiven us despite our continual sinful tendencies.

Ephesians 4:31-32 -Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

We become bitter by letting anger and hatred control us.

Genesis 27:41 - And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

Esther 5:9 - Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

We become bitter by forgetting God's grace, which is showered upon us each day.

Hebrews 12:15 - Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

How can we cause bitterness in others?
When we are unjust or unfair in our dealings with others, particularly those who are poor and oppressed.

Amos 5:7 - Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

What is a remedy for bitterness?
There are times when simple forgiveness can relieve a lifetime of bitterness.

2 Corinthians 2:7 - So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Promise From God:
Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

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