THE CANCER OF BITTERNESS

 

There are many emotions that eat away at people. One that is tucked under the rug more often than any other is “bitterness.”

The Biblical word for bitterness is pikria, meaning sharp or to prick.  Bitterness finds its root in anger and can be defined as “unresolved anger.”  Bitterness can place a person in an attitude of constant conflict with man and God.  When a person does not respond to difficult circumstances biblically, bitterness can step in and take over a person’s emotions.

In Exodus 15:22-26 we see that Moses brought Israel through the Red Sea, and into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.  Imagine these people as slaves in Egypt.  Moses came with the help of God to free them. They saw how God parted the Red Sea and destroyed Pharaoh’s army.  Then they came to Marah, but they could not drink there for the waters of Marah were bitter.  And the people began to complain, and they murmured against Moses saying, “What shall we drink?”

How would you have responded in that situation?  What is your reaction when things don’t go your way?  Do you become angry?  When anger is not dealt with, you can become a bitter person.  Is this your desire?  Scripture says, “The heart knoweth his own bitterness.”

If we are born again believers, then all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking should be removed from us.  We should not let any root of bitterness spring up inside us.

What bitterness have you not dealt with?  Is this bitterness worth carrying around inside you for the rest of your life?

Continue to our next lesson as we look at how to handle bitterness.

Pray this prayer with sincerity:

Father, I ask you to remove any bitterness that I have.  Show me why I have it and what has caused it.  In Jesus’ name.

Exodus 15:22-26 / Proverbs 14:10

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.