To
be a truly new man, one must put away the old. Paul says the old man is filled
with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour (which is outburst), evil speaking, and
all malice (which means, ill-will; Malice is a deliberate attempt to harm
another person). Some versions translate the verse this way:
(CEV)
Eph 4:31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one
another or curse each other or ever be rude.
(ERV)
Eph 4:31 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say
things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.
What
is bitterness? It is resentment. Its root cause is hatred. It is a cause of
many relationship problems in the church: “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” (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness stirs up
troubles and destroys peace wherever it goes.
Hebrews
12:15 used the term “root of bitterness.” What is a root? A root is an
important source of nutrients for a tree. We don’t normally get to see the root
system but we see its results above the ground. The same is true with
bitterness in a person's soul. It is a hidden element that lies under the
surface, and out of it springs up anger, wrath, outbursts, evil speaking,
malice and other negative emotions. People who are bitter find it easy to get
upset over things that others are doing around them.
We
see that wrath, anger, outbursts, evil speaking, and wickedness, all have to do
with bitterness or resentful spirit. This is the price one has to pay for
bitterness: he gets angry all the time. Bitterness is emotional suicide; it
robs you of your peace and joy.
Now,
the important question: How to overcome bitterness?
1.
Desire Peace: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). If we want to meet God, we need
to seek peace with all men.
2.
Choose To Forgive: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31,32).
Remember that we have been forgiven by Christ and we need to forgive others.
Forgiveness will remove bitterness.
3.
Repent. Bitterness is a sin. And it is a sin that leads to other sins. Allowed
to fester, it will blow up with destructive consequences. That’s how Cain
killed his brother Abel; he lost control of his emotions (Genesis 4:5-8).
4.
Love. Peter wrote: "And above all things have fervent charity among
yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1Peter
4:8). It's hard for you to see anything good in someone you don't love. But if
you really love someone, it's much easier to overlook and forgive their faults.
Bitterness
is a burden that is heavy on the heart. It’s like a dark cloud that is hovering
over your head. Love is the cure to bitterness. Replace bitterness with love;
for why should you want to carry the burden wherever you go. Ask God to forgive
you for being bitter and resentful. Then forgive those who have hurt you even
as God forgives you. I guarantee that your life will change. You will find
peace, joy, and a clear blue sky.
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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