Highlands Fellowship
January 26, 2020
I was Bitter, now I’m not
Where does bitterness come from? How do we become bitter?
Definition of Bitter: (of people or their feelings or behavior) angry, hurt, or resentful because of one's bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment
“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” - Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT)
Have you ever been bitter? Have you ever been angry with someone?
Sometimes bitterness feels better in the moment, but that feeling never lasts.
“I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain” - Job 10:1
Sitting in bitterness is like drinking saltwater. You think that it is helping, but really you are just making yourself more thirsty.
How you speak about something is how you think about something
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” - Proverbs 19:11