OVERCOME BITTERNESS BY GOD’S WORD

“Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the GRACE of GOD lest any ROOT of BITTERNESS springing up cause trouble...” – Hebrews 12:15a

Believers in Christ are endowed with GRACE to OVERCOME BITTERNESS by GOD’S WORD: “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the GRACE of GOD; lest any ROOT of BITTERNESS springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Heb.12: 14-15). Bitterness is defined as anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; an attitude of extended and intense anger and hostility, often linked with resentment and a desire to “get even” or retaliate. Bitterness results from not forgiving someone, and letting hurt and anger grow until the pain and resentment injure our view of life. An unforgiving attitude, resentment, and envy can plunge people into bitterness.

Bitterness is a slow poison that saps joy, steals goodness, destroys peace, and leads to physical, emotional, and health problems. In Genesis 4: 2-8, Cain became consumed by bitterness as he felt unjustly treated. He damned God and killed his brother out of anger and hatred. Bitterness often results from unresolved anger – with God, ourselves, or others (Eph.4:26). When we learn to handle anger in healthy ways, we can avoid the trap of bitterness. We must honestly admit when we’re angry and ask God for strength. A heart given to bitterness is one that’s resisting the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When the Lord reveals the sinfulness of bitterness in our hearts and we recognize our failings, repent, and humble ourselves, we’ll receive a new spirit from Him (Psa.51:10).

Bitterness begins with hurt. When we’re deliberately or unintentionally hurt, the wound can run deep. If we deny it and don’t process it with forgiveness, the hurt can turn into bitterness which hurts us far more than the one who caused the hurt. Keeping angst in our hearts towards others leads down the road of bitterness, but forgiveness frees from the bondage of bitterness (Col.3:13). Forgiveness is not based on whether we feel like it, but on obedience to the Lord. We must get rid of bitterness and its co-conspirators like we get rid of smelly garbage (Eph.4:31). Retaining bitterness infiltrates every area of life, causes trouble, and defiles many! We must confess and repent of bitterness, to receive healing. No matter what brought it on, God’s Presence and Peace will permeate as we meditate on the love of Christ (Eph.3: 17-19).

The remedy for the bitter spirit is the healing balm of the Word of God. Taken in definite doses over a period of time will release the tortured soul from bondage, to know love, joy, and peace from the Holy Spirit. Let's consider two pertinent Scriptures:

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Pro.28:13). When we recognize that bitterness has entered our hearts, we must confess it to the Lord and to matured mentors, and seek forgiveness. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem after losing her husband and sons, she asked family and friends to call her “Mara” meaning bitter. Her situation made her bitter, but God ultimately blessed her with a grandson. When true brethren know our pains, they can pray and encourage us to overcome bitterness. 

“These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jh.16:33). When we trust in the Lord, remembering that He overcame the world, bitterness will not take over our hearts. The Lord promised to never leave us, but not that life would be easy or rosy. Life is often not fair and we are tempted to become bitter. But trials will pass away, while God’s abundant grace will remain for those who lean on Him through the tough times of life.

Each of us can choose to become bitter or better in life: “The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy” (Pro.14:10). The bitter waste their lifetime in anger and regret. The better know that they were born again to conquer the world, Satan, and the flesh, and walk in Holiness and Love through God’s Grace!