be put away from you, with all malice."
Ephesians 4:31
Bitterness can ruin our lives by robbing us of joy and happiness. Bitterness usually comes because of a bad experience in life from which we don't overcome. It's as though we are locked in the past of our hurt feelings. It poisons every area of our lives.
How can we know that bitterness has taken control of our lives? The apostle Paul mentions three identifiable characteristics of bitterness. First, there is a lifestyle of anger. Secondly, there is evil speaking as anger controls our hearts. Thirdly, there is unforgiveness. We adamantly refuse to forgive those who have hurt us, as we nurse our grudge (Ephesians 4:31-32).
What happens when we live in bitterness? First, we grieve the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and wants to heal our bruised and broken hearts. He can heal our hurts, but our refusal to forgive, as God forgave us, hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God" (Ephesians 4:30).
How can we overcome bitterness? "And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door to set us free from bitterness. The people who hurt us may not care about our forgiveness, but God does. As we forgive others in prayer to God, we agree with His will and word. God restores us to a tender heart and His Holy Spirit restores us with peace and joy.
Father, we choose to forgive all who have hurt us. May the Holy Spirit bring healing to our hearts, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
