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The Purge

It is commonly known that eating raw olives is unpleasant. They are bitter due to a chemical called oleuropein. This is a defense mechanism of the olive, and it renders raw olives useless to us.

As a result, olives must go through a rigorous purification process. There are many different ways, including brining, which involves a combination of water and salt. 

I have gone through times when God had to take me through a purification process because I was filled with bitterness. There have been times in my life when I was really hurt and forgiveness seemed impossible. In the past, I have allowed bitterness to become deeply rooted in my heart.

Think about what it means to purge something. It is defined as "the removal of something unwanted." The purging process may be painful and uncomfortable for us. Sometimes the bitterness becomes our second skin—a defense mechanism that we use to keep ourselves from getting hurt again. But this process is necessary for us to grow in spiritual maturity.

There are times when we get so used to this dysfunction in our lives that we don't even recognize it in ourselves anymore. The enemy is very good at creating a comfortable home for our bitterness. Bitterness has cozied up to the fireplace with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and a good book, and it has no intention of leaving.

One of the biggest mistakes we can makes as Christians is underestimating the shrewdness of the enemy. The devil is unable to create—this is reserved for God—but he can duplicate. Often you will find yourself going through the same trial, feelings, and dysfunction over and over again; this is one of the enemy's greatest weapons.

Unfortunately, bitterness can lead to other unpleasant character traits, like negativity, jealousy, resentment, and unhappiness. You become a hurt person and sometimes hurt people hurt people.

This is not what God wants for me, and it is not what he wants for you. He wants to take us through the purging process. Like the olive, we are useless if the bitterness remains. We cannot fulfill our purpose unless we are purified.

As you enter prayer and reflection today, ask that the Living Water and the healing salt of grace would leech out the bitterness that is holding you captive.

Be free, be purged, be pure, and become useful again.

Sometimes the hardest part of holding on is letting it go!

Going to the Well Journal Prompt

Use each letter of the word bitter to come up with a plan on how you can overcome this dysfunction in your life or help someone who is dealing with this in their life. Write one or two sentences for each letter.

B

I 

T

T

E

R

Drinking the Living Water

Heavenly Father, I repent for those times when I allowed people and situations to make me bitter. I know that I cannot be fully used for your plan and your purpose if this bitterness is inside of me. Purge from me, oh God, any feelings that linger in my mind or in my heart that render me useless. Purify me with the salt of your grace and the powerful flow of your Living Water. I let it all go. I let it all go now, Jesus. I long to be free. In your precious name, I pray. 

Amen.