The Lodestar

Bitterness is an age-old emotion woven into the fabric of human existence. This consumes the soul, poisons relationships, and corrode one’s spirit. The Bible addresses bitterness with wisdom and guidance and offers insights into overcoming this destructive emotion.

The Bible commands us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice” (Eph 4:31). This is a powerful reminder of the importance of getting rid of bitterness. Bitterness is a stumbling block to inner peace and spiritual growth.

But what exactly is bitterness? Bitterness is the result of unresolved anger and resentment. It is a slow-burning fire that smoulders within, gradually consuming everything it touches. The Bible acknowledges the presence of bitterness in our lives and calls us to confront it head-on.

Forgiveness is the antidote to bitterness. The Bible teaches us to forgive. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 3:13). When we forgive, we release the grip bitterness has on our hearts and minds, and we free ourselves from the chains of resentment, allowing healing and restoration to take place.

Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a remarkable example of dealing with bitterness by forgiving. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he endured years of hardship. However, when the opportunity for revenge presented itself, he forgave instead of responding with bitterness. Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen 50:20). Joseph’s ability to forgive and see the bigger picture is a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness.

Bitterness can also arise from disappointment and unmet expectations. When she lost her husband and sons, Naomi turned bitter. She even changed her name to “Mara,” which means bitter in Hebrew. She said, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:20-21).

However, through her journey and the support of her daughter-in-law Ruth, Naomi found hope and healing. Despite her bitterness, Naomi’s story ultimately demonstrates the redemptive power of faith and community.

The book of Hebrews encourages us to “see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Heb 12:15). This underscores the contagious nature of bitterness. It not only affects us individually but also has the potential to harm those around us. Therefore, as guided by the Bible, it is our responsibility to uproot bitterness from our lives and cultivate an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness.

The Bible commands, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph 4:32). God’s forgiveness that we received through Jesus Christ provides us with the strength to overcome bitterness and live a life of love and forgiveness.

Author: Guite is an incredibly fervent individual. He is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Grace Bible College with aspirations to become a pastor, and he has nurtured a hobby for writing since an incredibly early age.