"See to it
that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness
springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no
immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a
single meal."
(Hebrews 12:15-16)
Others have
said that bitterness is like drinking poison and wishing the other person
would die. There is truth in that.
Experience
has shown me that there is often a correlation between bitterness and
godlessness. I have noticed many times that when one gives up on God and
becomes dedicated to the world, he also becomes bitter toward believers and
God. He may consider himself "enlightened," having learned that God is a
sham and the church has held him down and enslaved to a hypocritical and
evil religious system. Every encounter with those among whom he formerly
walked is laced with his sarcastic rebuke and acerbic rhetoric. He now hates
what he perceives what he once was, and he makes no apology in letting
everyone else know about it. He now knows the true meaning of care and love,
you see. Yet how tragic that he cannot understand that the root of
bitterness has clouded his judgment. He cannot see that the very attitude he
despises has become embedded in his own personality. And he now has, for his
authority, nothing greater than himself. And with this authority he proudly
pronounces all who hold to that outdated, superstitious view of religion to
be the bane of all society.
Bitterness,
you see, perverts our view of all that is good and right, and forces our
thinking into a futile, darkened world where the only thing left to grasp is
meaninglessness.
Sadly, "A
man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond
remedy."
(Proverbs 29:1)
Others may
not completely give up on God and His people, but may still harbor
resentment and bitterness in their hearts. This, in turn, affects all of
their relationships. They won't allow themselves to enjoy life, to be happy,
to find the real joy of the Lord. There are days we may feel a connection to
Job's words: "My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished"
(Job 17:1).
"When the heart is sad, the spirit is broken."
(Proverbs 15:13b)
Life is
broken and needs a renewal.
"Bring
Christ your broken life, so marred by sin. He will create anew, make whole
again."
I
understand disappointed. I understand angry. I understand depressed. I
understand sinful. I understand hateful. I have experienced these and more.
What I
don't understand is allowing these to govern our future. Being disappointed
or mistreated in the past is not an excuse to show ill will and hateful
feelings toward others now. Being angry about your personal past is not an
excuse to lash out in anger at those who are in your present and future.
"But you just don't understand. You wouldn't say this if …" Stop. Yes, I do.
More than I wish to say. In fact, many, if not most, understand this.
Choices have to be made. Decisions need to reflect that we will seek out
what is honorable and right. How we proceed from here, while influenced by
our past, can demonstrate wisdom in overcoming our past.
"I can do
all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well
to share with me in my affliction."
(Philippians 4:13-14)
I couldn't
have done it without God. I cannot continue to do it without God. No one can
overcome permanently without God.
No, it's
not a matter of just saying, "Get over it." Very little is so simple. I'm
not a psychologist or counselor, but I know that the human psyche is quite
complicated (and here I'm not even discussing true physical and mental
issues that need professional attention). I am saying that getting "over it"
is possible if we will allow the Lord into our hearts and minds.
"Trust in
the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In
all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not
be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be
healing to your body And refreshment to your bones."
(Proverbs 3:5-8)
"The Lord
will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His
heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
(2 Timothy 4:18)
Other Articles by Doy Moyer
Morality, the
Government and Christians
Made to be Sin
Doctrine and
Teaching
A Test of Fellowship
Is It Wise and Good to Begin Drinking Alcohol?
Jesus Emptied Himself: A Basic Approach
"As Long as It Does not Harm Anyone"
Pathetic Dust or a Living Hope
You May be Surprised to Learn
Moralizing Over the Gospel
Alcohol and Wisdom
Brotherly Love
The Logic of Authority
Was Jesus Literally
Forsaken?
Baptism and the Blood
The Problem With Creeds
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