ONE WHO CONTINUALLY HARBORS BITTERNESS WILL EVENTUALLY DESTROY THEMSELVES

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

I recently talked with a young adult whose life, through surrounding circumstances, has evolved into a situation that is affecting both his personal and professional lives. As I listened while this individual shared their feelings with me, I realized that the root of bitterness had already sprung up and had begun to grow. I wanted so badly to make this person see that bitterness deals misery and usually a crippling blow to the one who harbors it. After bitterness is firmly planted within, it's like an underlying current that emerges practically uncontrollable when the slightest challenge is felt. Many times we feel that we have been mistreated so badly that our bitterness is justified, and rightly so in many instances. As we talk about our situation and rehearse it again and again in our mind, it becomes a flaming fire that consumes us. It robs us of our peace, our contentment and joy, and alters our capability of functioning correctly. The person who continually harbors bitterness will eventually destroy himself or herself, while the person or persons they have bitterness toward are hardly affected at all.

During one of our lady's seminars one of the ladies shared how a particular scripture passage had been her source and guideline during a very difficult time in her life. Hebrew 12:15, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." The lady shared how that after she and her husband had finished raising their family and had gotten adjusted to life, heading toward retirement years, that unexpectedly, their whole life was interrupted and changed. They had to assume the responsibility of a disturbed grandchild. The circumstances were so that the lady's resentful feelings were justified. Through God's Word, His grace and strength, she did not allow the root of bitterness to spring up. She felt it, but she knew what the results would be for her and her family. She resisted those bitter feelings. She and her husband still have the child, and it's still difficult for them, but you could see the joy of the Lord in her as she shared.

Everyday we are faced with situations that create either good or harsh feelings within us, but we can take control. Don't allow Satan the pleasure of knowing that he has taken minor resentments and built a wall of bitterness in our life. Through that inroad he can control your mental being. Don't give him a chance. Walk in the Spirit of the Lord.