But I'm Bitter!

All of us have moments in our lives where we suddenly find ourselves assimilating with bitterness. Maybe it’s the actions of someone close to you, or on the contrary, the lack of action of someone close to you. This expectation we have on people and their failure to act in accordance with our standards has an adverse effect on the way we approach life thereafter.

Bitterness is the manifestation of being offended. It is the product of hurt and anger. Let’s look at the original Greek definition of the word “offended.”

Skandalízō: to put a snare (in the way), to cause to stumble, to give offense.

It is not your duty to be offended. Just as the original Greek context tells us, it actually manifests into a stumbling block in our lives that translates into abrasive- bitter behaviour like anger and resentment. You, as a believer in Christ were made to echo His forgiveness and love to the world so this abrasive behaviour is not carried out into our character. Does that mean we will never react when people hurt us? Scripture gives a good reference as to how we should deal with offense and bitterness especially in James stating:

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires,” (1:19-20).

And again in Ephesians:

“And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil,” (4:26-27).

Climbing out of a trench of offense and bitterness requires us to pursue righteousness and leadership according to Christ. Having a heart of meekness gives God the reins on our situation and how to react in the problems life will throw at us. In scripture, Jesus often reacted in meekness because He knew and understood the Father’s heart and the worth of a situation. Meekness is a virtue that exhibits: humbleness, mildness, gentleness, modesty, unassumingness, unpretentiousness, and tolerant behaviour.

And in all things, look to the Father and His generous forgiveness and grace toward us. This is a reminder of the love we should exude towards one another to not be planted in bitterness but to harvest patience and grace for one another just like the Father is to us.

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you,” (Ephesians 4: 31-32).