The Bible's View on BitternessSample

The Cure for Bitterness

Studies prove that incessant bitterness can make a person physically ill because holding onto malice can affect a person’s metabolism, immune response and organ functioning. Fortunately, God, the Great Physician, has shared the most efficient remedy to bitterness: forgiveness.

In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encouraged members of the early church to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,” in addition to “brawling and every form of malice.” The New International Version cites the same scripture using the words “wrath, clamor and slander.”

Though the words may vary, the consensus remains the same: Someone who wants to experience peace and healing must make the conscious decision to resist getting bitter.

How is this done successfully? By getting rid of all possible offenses. Because we live in an imperfect world, the relationships we have with our family, partners, and friends will not always be perfect.

This means conflict is inevitable. Nonetheless, it is how we choose to respond to these offenses when such occasions arise, that will determine what state we will come out in on the other side.

The key to resisting bitterness and overlooking offenses is remembering God has forgiven us for all our sins through Christ, so we must also choose to forgive others who have transgressed against us.

Think about it. Jesus chose us in Him from the beginning of the world and died a brutal death so His Father could forgive our sins.

Now, if God through His Son could choose to overlook our wrongdoings before we even made them, we, who are created in His likeness and image, should also resolve to pardon those who have wronged us.

Thank you for reading. If this plan resonated with you in any way, let us know at freeindeedtc.com.