THE CURE FOR BITTERNESS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, 
along with every form of malice.
(Ephesians 4:31)

MEDITATION:
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, 
he gave some instructions for Christian living.
It’s well worth looking at all of his advice, 
but for now we will just look at a couple of verses.
In verse 31 of Chapter 4, the very first thing Paul mentions is “bitterness”. 
He says that in order to live as a Christian, 
we need to eradicate any bitterness.

As the scriptures tell us often, the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, 
so if we are harboring bitterness in our heart, 
we are not creating a good environment for the Spirit.
In the previous verse, before mentioning bitterness, 
he tells us not to grieve the Spirit.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, 
with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
Having to share someone’s heart with bitterness 
would be grieving, wouldn’t it?

When we look closely at Paul’s letter, it appears he is linking bitterness 
to rage, anger, brawling, slander and every kind of hatred (malice).
It’s as if Paul is saying that bitterness is the root cause 
for the other list of characteristics that are unbecoming of a Christian.

Then Paul tells us how to get rid of bitterness and the problems it causes.
We should redirect our attention to being kind and compassionate to others.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, 
just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Isn’t it clever how Paul subtly expresses his point?
Bitterness is focusing outwardly toward others, 
“Look what he or she did to me!”
But kindness and compassion is directed inwardly toward our own attitudes.
Whenever are more concerned about being kind and compassionate, 
we will naturally be more inclined to replace bitterness with forgiveness.
When bitterness dies, so does rage, anger and hatred, and 
we create a more pleasant environment for the Spirit to live in our heart.

ACTION:
Are you guilty of harboring bitterness in your heart?
Have you been more focused on the offender’s offense than your own attitudes?
Imagine the number of times Jesus was offended 
while He was trying to help others.
But, instead of being bitter, He chose to forgive them for their offenses.
Rather than allowing bitterness to eat away at you 
and destroy your joy in the Lord, take Paul’s advice 
and focus on being kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for any bitterness I have toward 
anyone. Help me to refocus and concentrate on being kind and 
compassionate so that I can learn to forgive. Thank You for 
forgiving me of the many times I have offended You. Teach me 
to mold my heart in a way that provides a pleasant home for the 
Holy Spirit to live within me. Thank You for sending Your Spirit 
to encourage me and give me guidance for living a life that 
pleases You.”

blog: utvolwoody.wordpress.com