Dealing with Bitterness
Bitterness is a hurt that will not heal, a wound in the spirit (Proverbs 18:14). It comes into a life because of a failure to appropriate God’s grace Hebrews 12:15); by refusing to forgive others (Matthew 6:14,15; 7:1,2; 18:21-35); or refusing to thank God for all things (Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6).
Often we try to forgive the ones who hurt us, and we even tell God that we do forgive them. However, each time we remember the things which happened, we are suddenly flooded with hurt and/or anger again. This indicates unhealed bitterness. In order to cope with bitterness and heal the hurt, we must not only forgive but be in a position to receive God’s grace and His comfort as well.
TO REMOVE BITTERNESS:
Give God vengeance (Hebrews 10:30). It is too heavy for us to carry and besides it belongs to God. Do not be a receiver of stolen goods! God has promised to repay, it is not our responsibility.
Forgive the others involved in the hurt and refuse to condemn (Matthew 7:12). Forgive eagerly (Matthew 18:12), remembering that unforgiveness is torture to those who hold it (Matthew 18:34,35).
Focus on God and no one else, for He alone sees the motivations of the heart (I Samuel 16:17). We must remember that God loves us (Romans 8:32-34), and not look at what others say, what we think or even at the situation itself.
TO RECEIVE COMFORT:
We must go to the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) for His Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 14:16) and He earnestly desires to comfort us (Psalm 103:13).
Going to God we will find a peace that passes understanding which will keep (guard, garrison) our hearts and minds (emotions and thoughts) (Philippians 4:4-9). Compare this with the incident recorded in Mark 4:39 where the peace invoked by Jesus surpassed anything the disciples had anticipated or expected. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Focus on God and give Him thanks (Ephesians 5:20; Romans 8:28) rejoicing because your name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life (Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:4) and ask for grace, comfort and peace (Matthew 7:7-11).
Focusing on God and letting Him be our judge is absolutely necessary. He is the only One in a position to evaluate us and decide our worth. The one upon whom you focus your heart and mind is the one whom you will emulate in you life (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Proverbs 29:25 contrasts the fear of man with trust in God. The one you fear is the one you look upon and this determines your values, goals, self-acceptance (or lack of it) etc. The fear of the Lord is not the fear of the judgement. Christians must not regard God as some sort of glorified watchdog. To fear God in the Biblical sense means turning your back on the world and being filled with reverential awe at the greatness and goodness of God. It involves focusing your heart and mind on God alone and letting Him be your judge (Psalm 112:1,7; Philippians 4:6; Romans 8:32:34).
To receive comfort and heal the bitterness in your spirit you must die to works of righteousness (trying to earn God’s love and favor) by drowning in the ocean of God’s love and grace, rejoicing that He has chosen you.
Conquering the Hosts of Hell by Win Worley © 1977, pp. 36,37.
The following is an excerpt from “Schizophrenia, Booklet #13″ by Pastor Win Worley. Copyright © 1983 by Win Worley, Revised © 1993. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including storage and retrieval system, without securing permission in writing from the publisher, WRW Publications, PO Box 852626, Mesquite, TX 75185.
If you’d like to obtain your own copy of not only this, but other materials authored by Win Worley, please contact WRW Publications at www.wrwpublications.com
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