Are You Bitter?

Genesis 4:1-15

Message No. 0770 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

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Hello everyone! This week we examine the problem of bitterness and the lingering danger that it represents in the lives of the bitter, and sometimes in the lives of people around them. As you read this, if you know anyone who is bitter, please encourage them to ask God for help so they can come out of the prison of this deadly problem. God bless you as you read.

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When Jacob connived with his mom to take away the blessings that were meant for Esau, one could only imagine how Esau felt. If you have waited all your years only to have your most anticipated inheritance carted away from you, then you can feel Esau. As people say, “hell had no fury...” Esau was bitter, to say the least, and had Jacob not run away from the environment, Genesis would have recorded another sibling murder.

Bitterness is evil, and when uncontrolled, it is dangerous, and sometimes leads to murder. In the case of Cain and Abel, the Bible says that the latter’s offering was accepted by God, while the former’s was rejected. Rather than ask God why, Cain became angry, first, at the situation, and then at his brother. This anger led to bitterness, as he could, imaginably, no longer stand the presence of his brother. Since they lived in the same environment, Cain acted on his bitterness one day and killed his brother. Interestingly, when God asked him where his brother was, he did not have enough courage to say that he had acted on his bitterness and killed him.

When Amnon raped his half-sister, not only was the seed of evil planted, but the seed of bitterness was also planted and watered. Tamar was Amnon’s half-sister, and she was Absalom’s direct sister. When Absalom heard how Amnon had deceived Tamar into believing that he was sick and needed care, only to force her into bed, Absalom became very angry, and this anger grew to bitterness. He resented Amnon and wouldn’t rest until he had orchestrated his killing.

Anything could trigger someone’s anger, but not many things lead to bitterness. For bitterness to occur, you must have been wronged in such a way that the feeling would not disappear quickly. When someone is sexually assaulted, they will tell you that it only takes the grace of God to let the anger and resentment go. There is no such thing as forgetting what happened, as the brain is unable to get rid of such horrible events. Even when a court case is won and compensation is given, the feeling never totally disappears.

Are you bitter or feeling resentment towards someone and have you attempted to address it? The reasons for feeling bitter are probably justified, but does the person you have this feeling towards even know that you’re bitter against him or her? Have you spoken to the offender and given him or her the opportunity to apologize to you? Have you considered forgiving this person? Unfortunately, the poison of bitterness may not hurt the person you’re bitter against, but if the situation is not addressed, it is sure to hurt you. Look at what the Bible says in Matthew chapter 6 verses 14 and 15:

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

We all know that if God does not forgive our sins, we are basically doomed, as eternity without God equals eternal death. Would you please find a place in your heart to forgive? Because difficult as it may, this is the only way out of bitterness. Without forgiveness, you will be boiling and probably dying inside, but the offender may be walking freely and may even be living right with God. Please do not give another person the power to determine your eternity. I pray that our God will strengthen you and give you peace and help you to let go so you can move forward with your life.

What to Do?

Take a deep breath and review your situation. If you’re bitter against anyone, please forgive, not for the person’s sake, but for yours. The Lord will comfort you, in Jesus’ name.