Hostage to Bitterness

Bitterness is caused by nursing an unforgiving spirit and results in negative and critical attitudes. If left unchecked, it embeds itself deep into our lives and becomes a subconscious reality.

Bitterness motivates habitual complaining. (Job 7:11, 10:1) Bitter people find pleasure in gossip. (Psalm 64:3 KJV) Bitterness affects other’s lives as well. "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by it many be defiled." (Hebrews 12:15)

Bitterness is self induced misery-it produces chain sinning. The bitter person is his own worst enemy and always difficult to maintain a good relationship with.
It's important to regularly give yourself a checkup for roots of bitterness. Perhaps its the real silent killer, the cause of sleepless nights, ulcers, agitation irritability, angry words, lost friendships, ruined marital relationships, separated families and a host of other expensive consequences.

If you are like me, you have plans and dreams for your life and for the lives of your children, friends, families and your community. If they are significant, beautiful, Godly dreams, they can only be realized through the power of the Spirit filled life. Bitterness robs us of the power to achieve those dreams.

Peter told Simon that the Holy Spirit and bitterness cannot co-exist in the same life. One or the other has to go. For example, if we harbour a root of bitterness, we infect and damage our children, spouse and workplace. A root of bitterness will impact the bottom line of your business. It throws a wet blanket over the worship and sense of community in a church. It's important that we identify and deal with our bitterness.

I can't afford to nurse bitterness in my life. The consequences are too costly. I have two clear choices, I can choose bitterness and risk loosing everything I hold near and dear. Or, I can choose the Holy Spirit and His positive power (Grace) which I need for the fulfillment of my dreams. The choice is mine.