God’s love has the power to carry us through every hurdle we face.
Relational challenges and personal tragedies are by-products of a fallen world. It gives us a godly perspective to see things in a new, fresh way, allowing us to move forward.Įmbrace empathy over blame. The wisdom of growing in God’s truth allows us to form healthy boundaries for bitterness. When Joseph’s brothers saw their father dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” ( Genesis 50:15) Joseph chose the power and peace of forgiveness. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1 (Click here for practical ways to adopt a thankful attitude.) Philippians 4:8 reminds, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Restore thanksgiving by making a gratitude list or memorizing a verse to reset the tone. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” “When God warns His elect not to fall away, He empowers them to respond.” ( Ligonier Ministeries) We do this with the guidance of God’s truth, and He grows us through the process. Not angry, but gentle.” ( Chuck Swindoll) Define it. Not irritated, but patient …even when wronged. “What wise counsel! Not quarrelsome, but kind. “In our own case we accept excuses too easily in other people’s we do not accept them easily enough.” - C.S.Lewisħ Proven Steps to Overcome Resentment & Let Go of Bitterness: Double Standards: Selfishness causes us to lose sight of those God has placed in our lives to comfort, encourage, and love us. Gossip: "The spreading of misinformation or uncertain facts about another person indicates that a root of bitterness may be slowly taking over one's heart." -Ligonier MinisteriesĤ. When we don’t take our hurts to God, bitterness has defensive and suspicious babies.ģ. Discord: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” Hebrews 12:14-15 The Hebrew word for bitterness means a bitter root, and so producing a bitter fruit. Scripture advises, “Pray about everything.” - Philippians 4:6Ģ. Hopelessness: What did biblical figures do to combat the onset of bitterness? They wrestled with God in prayer and did not lose faith in His promises or character. “Have I really forgiven someone if I keep remembering their wrong?” ( Desiring God Podcast) Remembering it, and feeling angry again, is normal. It’s a continual process, and does not always restore the trust required for reconciliation. Un-forgiveness: Forgiveness should be a given for Christians because we have been forgiven. The inability to let go of anger makes us grumbly and impatient with other people.Ģ. Anger: Anger becomes dangerous when we find our identity in the people, purposes and possessions we are so passionate about. However, when Christ stitches our wounds together, the bleeding stops and peace is restored.ġ. Colossians 3:8 warns, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Resentment can transform from a behavioral reaction to a personality trait. Resentment is the byproduct of bitterness and unchecked anger within relationships, most often marriage. ( ) “ Most of our bitterness and anger towards others is rooted in an inability to be profoundly amazed at Christ’s love for us in our sin.” ( John Piper) It interferes with forgiveness too and makes it hard to accept certain realities.
Scripture warns in Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger, do not sin.” Bitterness is characterized by intense cynicism, antagonism or hostility. We don’t aim to become bitter people in our relationships, but life happens. Hurt tempts us to comply with a variety of unreasonable emotions. “Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)