New Reminders: Bitterness
by Ardith Hoff
We speak of someone having “a bitter pill to swallow”. This can refer to a physical pill that has a bitter taste, or it might describe something that has caused a person to feel hurt or resentful about something they perceive as an injustice or betrayal. A bitter person might have feelings of disappointment, anger and resentment. He or she might hold a grudge against the person or organization they think is responsible for the situation. It is human nature to want to find someone or something to blame for whatever harm or injustice has befallen us. The truth is that bitterness is a choice to dwell in the past rather than to move forward with grace and dignity.
No matter how justified we might think our bitterness is, we cannot change what has happened. We need to weigh our options, not for revenge, but for moving ourselves forward in a positive direction. We need to put our energy toward productive steps we can take toward healing the hurts and pursuing peace. It might call for us to forgive someone or to find a solution to any ongoing problems while leaving bitterness behind. The bible tells us how to handle bitterness.
Ephesians 4:31 instructs us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Bitterness is a destructive force that can not only corrupt our thinking but has a negative effect on our health and the wellbeing of ourselves and others. It can separate us from the grace of God. Hebrews 12:12-15 encourages believers to renew their spiritual strength, to live in peace and holiness, and be on guard against spiritual defilement. It reads: “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”