See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” -Hebrews 12: 15
Charles Stanley begins Chapter 7 (“Bitterness: Freedom from Misery”) of Emotions by discussing two truths about bitterness that we must recognize from the outset.
1. Denying that your bitterness exists doesn’t work- so acknowledge it. Bitterness is destructive to our souls. When we deny the existence of our resentment and animosity, we either attempt to rationalize our anger as righteous indignation or totally deny its existence. When we do this, Dr. Stanley asserts, we allow “the buried acid of bitterness to wreak havoc in our hearts.” In order to be free of the damaging effects of bitterness, we must agree with God that it exists in us.
2. Bitterness continues to wound as long as it persists- so root it out. We’re skating on thin ice when we underestimate the destructive effects of bitterness. We mistakenly think we’re maintaining control by suppressing or internalizing our bitterness when, in truth, our bitterness is controlling us. Although anger is a natural emotion, it’s extremely destructive when we tenaciously hold onto it and nurture it.
Today’s question: To what extent has bitterness factored into your response to your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “You can run, but you can’t hide”
