There are times in life when we can become bitter. No one is exempt from criticism, being judged by others, or being mistreated. When it happens, we have a choice. We may become bitter, if we choose not to forgive. If we forgive, bitterness and anger are dismissed.
Choose to forgive all who have done you wrong. Ask God to forgive them even as he has forgiven you. Refusing to forgive does not hurt the person who hurt us. To not forgive is to block the healing from God for the broken places in our hearts. If we forgive, the power of bitterness is broken.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT).
If we allow ourselves to become bitter, it will hurt no one but us. Watch out for self-pity. It is a constant companion with bitterness. Misery always follows close behind self-pity and bitterness.
If we forgive, then we overcome bitterness. Forgiveness will work for us. I know, they probably will never ask for our forgiveness. Yet, if we forgive, we are always the winner. It's a spiritual law that works in our favor every time. Bitterness loses its power, if we forgive.
