Bitterness is like venom.
Sometimes we're "bitten" with bitterness because we've been genuinely mistreated, but sometimes we're bitter because we refuse to admit we're wrong.
A bitter woman blames her parents for their difficult relationship instead of acknowledging her ungratefulness and disrespect.
A bitter employee blames his boss for being unreasonable instead of acknowledging his irresponsibility and rebellious attitude.
A bitter woman blames her friend for their broken relationship instead of acknowledging her critical spirit and pride.
Bitter people damage relationships and blame other people for the damage.
Bitterness doesn’t discuss. It accuses.
It doesn’t repent. It excuses.
It pouts instead of listening.
It cuts off contact instead of forgiving.
That's why Scripture exhorts us:
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 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.” Hebrews 12:14-15
We don’t have to approve or agree with everyone, but we are commanded to forgive others and treat them kindly. In fact, our handling of differences reveals the quality of our faith (Proverbs 24:10).
Romans 12 is a great "antivenom" for all types of bitterness, whether it comes from mistreatment or pride.
Excellent points. I wish it was not directed at young women, but rather to men and women of all ages. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Aunt Donna,
DeleteI'm not sure why you feel the devotion is directed at young women. Perhaps you mean the picture is of a young woman. If you were trying to find low-cost images, you would realize that most of them feature young, attractive people.
But the devotion makes not distinction of age or gender. Please note that one of the examples is the man who blames his boss.