Are you or someone you care about experiencing bitterness for something that happened in the past? If you are, the Lord would like to give you the tools to overcome bitterness and experience His joy. The trap of bitterness can have its root in abuse, broken relationships, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or being offended. In short, bitterness can result from the heartaches of life.
Naomi Suffered from Bitterness
Naomi and family had moved to Moab from Israel because of the drought in Israel. During their time in Moab Naomi lost her husband and sons. In those days the loss of men in the household would be devasting because of loss of income and physical protection. At the time Naomi was older so finding another husband was a slim possibility.
In the experience of poverty and loss of loved ones Naomi blamed the Lord and told her daughters-in-law about it. Ruth 1:13b Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me. But each of the daughters-in-law had also experienced loss. I think Naomi assumed it would be easier for them since they were young and still had family in the area.
Overcoming Bitterness
Recently while working on a project, I cut my finger. I stopped what I was doing and washed it out with soap and put antibiotic and a bandage on the wound. Although this was not a severe cut it could have become infected if not treated.
Bitterness is like an infection and it sets in when we don’t treat the wound with forgiveness. Paul gives this advice. Ephesians 4:26And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” [1]
Anger can quickly turn to bitterness, but if you forgive, the wound can heal. Paul writes about dealing with bitterness. Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. [2]
Don’t let bitterness take root in your life. Ask the Lord to help you to forgive the person or persons who wronged you and be healed. To hear more about how to overcome bitterness, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-ruth-part-1
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.