God’s Solutions for Today’s Problems #29
Our passage from the Word of God today is Ephesians 4:31-32. It reads, “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.”
Our quote for today is from Amy Carmichael. She said, “There is only one way of victory over the bitterness and rage that comes naturally to us–To will what God wills brings peace.”
Our problem today is “The Problem of Bitterness in Your Life” (part 1) from the book, “The Guide to Biblical Counseling” by Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Ron Hawkins.
Today, we will offer some Definitions and Key Thoughts on Bitterness:
But first, some Portraits…
– Becky has not been to church for over a year. The leaders in her last church sided against her when she brought them concerns over inappropriate advances by a worship leader. She has tried but cannot seem to get past the bitterness. She thought her church cared for her.
– David’s father was killed by a drunk driver when David was a teenager. Life was difficult for David’s family after that. The man was given only a light sentence. David is bitter at the unfairness of life.
– Adam’s parents constantly belittle him as he was growing up. Now an adult, he suffers from depression and anxiety and cannot figure out why he can’t get over it.
– Laura’s husband does not seem interested in meeting any of her emotional needs. He is distant and cold when she tries to talk to him about it. Over time, she has given up hoping that he will ever change and sees no reason to continue in the marriage.
– Claire’s boss is demanding and extremely critical. He humiliated Claire in front of her co-workers by judging her work unfairly. Claire can’t seem to let it go and fantasizes about plots for revenge.
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Bitterness is an attitude of extended and intense anger and hostility. It is often accompanied by resentment and a desire to get even. It is a result of not forgiving an offender and letting the hurt and anger grow until the pain and resentment sour the person’s view of life.
Bitterness is a sin that destroys life. Hebrews 12:14-15 warns that bitterness corrupts by its poison. Romans 12:17-19 commands not to seek revenge, but rather let God avenge the wrong.
Bitterness can be conquered only by forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 says to get rid of bitterness by replacing it with forgiveness.
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