Thursday // 14th November 2024
Pain vs. Bitterness !
> Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled Hebrews 12:15
Pain is inevitable. It will happen. Usually at the hands of other Christians. Bitterness, however, is a choice. It’s the difference between being punctured with a needle and picking the scab so it never heals.
Those who choose to allow bitterness to gain ground in their hearts have something else going on inside them. Something quite serious. Typically, people become embittered when they have unrealistic expectations or selfish ulterior motives. When their expectations aren’t met or their self-seeking motives go unexposed, bitterness easily sets in.
Bitterness is also contagious. If you ‘re struggling with bitterness or feel on the verge of becoming embittered, the worst thing you can do is sit around with others who have grown bitter. Such groups are often pitched as “healing” stations but they keep the wounds open by constantly picking at them.
The fact is nothing in this universe can make you bitter. None of us have suffered the kind of injustice Jesus Christ did, nor the degree of physical pain He weathered at the hands of others. So if anyone has a right to be bitter, it’s Him. Yet He wasn’t, and He never will be. Here’s the antidote: You must be willing to see the hand of a loving, caring God in your painful situation. This is how Joseph kept from becoming embittered toward his brothers (Genesis 50:19-20). It’s also how Jesus kept from becoming embittered toward those who betrayed Him to death (Hebrews 12:2).
Do not choose bitterness. It is a breeding ground for the enemy.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin