“Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must do also” (Colossians 3:12, 13).
Today, the Lord forgives you of all anger and bitterness. You are now created a new man or woman able to example His love; which is the bond of perfection.
Bitterness or resentment, they most often go together. They are destructive feelings derived from hatred, cynicism and ill will towards someone else. Bitterness is brought on by resentment. Resentment is pent-up, unresolved anger that when left unresolved can bring on emotional and physical illness for both parties. Anger is sin in God’s eyes.
Sometimes things happen between us and a friend, a stranger, or even a family member. They did us wrong or we didn’t like their attitude toward us for some reason. Then the next thing we know we don’t like them anymore or we’re not talking. We feel bitterness towards them. We hold a grudge. When we hold a grudge against someone we are expressing bitterness. We are also angry. Feelings like these separate us from God. That is why I believe God sees anger as sin. When we have bitterness in our heart our fellowship with God is in danger and we don’t want this to happen! Our fellowship with God is foremost! We must never allow anything to come between us and God!
God does allow us a way to escape from these destructive feelings of bitterness and separation from Him; by confessing our sin of anger and repenting from it. We set ourselves straight with God first; seeking His forgiveness, then we pursue reconciliation with those whom we have the bitterness. We must make every attempt to repair our hard feelings with those whom we are angry as soon as possible. In (Acts 24:16) the physician Luke says; “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God or man.” What a wonderful feeling it is when we are set free of bitterness and know only peace with others. Surely, by God’s saving grace are we forgiven and allowed to know our peace and freedom from resentment and bitterness with others.
(Ephesians 4:2) says, “with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” As Christians, we are taught by the Holy Spirit to be better than bitterness.
Do you feel bitterness right now toward someone? Please don't allow this bitterness to spread throughout your life; it will poison everything it comes in contact with. Ask God to show you where your bitterness is, and then ask Him to forgive you of these feelings.
You, my friend, are a better person; you are one who initiates reconciliation and avoids bitterness because your relationship with God is healthy and intact. God heals all bitterness through His grace. Yes, He does!