Bitterness– a state of rage and wrath, sometimes brought on by unfair treatment or unfavorable circumstances.
The causes of bitterness
Adverse personal circumstances Job 10:1 Also see: Ge 27:34; Ru 1:20 “Mara” means “bitter”; 1Sa 30:6; 2Sa 13:36; 2Ki 4:27; Ps 55:4-14; Pr 17:25; Jer 6:26
External circumstances Eze 3:14 Because of the exiles’ hardness of heart. Also see: Job 21:25; 27:2; La 3:1-20; Eze 21:6
Human failure Mt 26:75 Lk 22:61-62 Also see: Ezr 10:1; Jer 2:19; 4:18; La 1:4
Bitterness is evidence of a sinful heart
Ac 8:23 Also see: Ro 3:10-18
Bitterness is to be avoided
Heb 12:15 Also see: Eph 4:31; Jas 3:14
The remedy for bitterness
Forgiveness Ge 33:1-11; Lk 15:25-32; Eph 4:31-32
The causes of bitterness will pass away Ps 37:1-2
Examples of bitterness in people’s lives
Ru 1:19-21; 2Sa 13:22; Est 5:9; Lk 15:30
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God, and you died for my sins and rose again from the dead, I trust you for cleansing and forgiveness, and you have received me as a Child of God. If there is any resentment or unforgiveness for anyone, I lay it at your feet and ask you to forgive me. I ask your forgiveness for being involved in other religions, witchcraft, or the occult seeking other gods. I acknowledge this as sin and loose myself right now in Jesus name. And now, Lord Jesus, I come to and yield my body, mind, and spirit to you. I give you my all. Come into my heart and be my personal Saviour. I surrender my tongue to you to be an instrument of righteousness to worship you in a new language. By faith, I receive it now, Lord in Jesus name. Amen.