Bitterness Bites

I’ve been working through the aftermath of bitterness. A deep reflection of my heart revealed this lingering symptom of unforgiveness.

When we experience pain and distress from others, resentment may creep in. It can come from disappointment, unmet expectations, or hurt feelings. Especially when others’ choices take us down roads we never thought we’d wander.

The feeling of resentment is poison to our soul. It saturates our being with false justification. (Why wouldn’t you be bitter, look what they’ve done)

It leaves us with a sense of being right in our feelings.

Being right in our feelings is not being righteous to God.

The Bible stands firm on living life with bitterness in your heart.

Don’t do it.
(Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 12:14-15)

Family addiction is rough. It leaves people torn and wrecked. Just when we move toward healing and recovery from an addiction we don’t have, it batters us again and again. Addiction assaults us long after we walk out of it’s hold.

The aftermath is crushing. The longer we are beaten down, the stronger bitterness becomes. It withstands our fear, conspires with our anger, and enjoys disrupting our connection with God.

Bitterness is another tool Satan pulls out of his dirty bag of tricks. His goal to separate us from God is all that matters. In resentment, envy, and anger you can’t live in the fruit of the Spirit- love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s not possible. And the canyon widens.

Fortunately, God made a way. He forgives. When we sin and harbor bitterness and anger, He knows. But our Heavenly Father is ready as we repent (confess and leave the sin behind) and seek His forgiveness.

We may not perfect this once, twice, or ten times, but don’t give up! As you begin to surrender and release the burden of sin, you will come closer to God and He will help you through. Your thoughts will become His thoughts. You will not be alone.

Every day, we long to have our loved ones back. The pain stands. Through Christ, we can do all things. Including living without anger and bitterness weighing us down.

You’ve got this because He’s got you!

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Authentic Truths

Featured Image by Adrian Kirkegaard on Unsplash

About the Author

Lisa Wenninger is a speaker, writer, podcaster, and Kingdom Winds Collective member. She currently manages a local church with a family of believers she loves. Lisa enjoys volunteering as a Stephen Minister and being able to walk alongside others in their time of need. She is an animal lover (former assistant to the director at this fantastic location), a beach enthusiast, and enjoys hiking, museums, and eating out. Fun fact - she loves to sing but says that you don’t want to hear her do it.

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