ARE YOU BETTER OR BITTER?

November 6 

Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31

How does a person become bitter?  The unkind, critical words, misunderstandings, injustices, betrayals, arguments, abuses as well as trials of life can hit us all very hard causing stinging disappointment and anger.  Is there hope for the bitter person?  Can we destroy the ugly roots of bitterness in our lives?  Can we actually become better and not bitter despite the hurts of life?  God’s Word says “Yes!” many times over! 

Bitterness must be recognized as sin (Ephesians 4:31). We need to confess it to God, forsake it and experience His cleansing (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13).  We also need to accept and receive His forgiveness, freeing ourselves from becoming bitter about the situations we find ourselves in and our personal failures.  Reading further, vs. 32 gives another command: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you.”  We can forgive others for the wounds, hurts and pain they have inflicted on us when we remember how God the Father freely gave up His Son, Jesus to die on Calvary’s cruel cross for the full and complete payment of our sin debt against Him (John 3:16).  Unless you have experienced God’s saving grace and forgiveness, it will be very hard for you to forgive others. 

Forgiveness is like unlocking a door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!  Are you battling bitterness?  Why not set yourself free by receiving Jesus’ forgiveness, and relinquishing your anger toward others, yourself and even God!  Try it, and you’ll love the new joyful you!   

Bob Kulp