Bitterness & Resentment

When we are offended or disappointed by others and allow the hurt to germinate in our heart, bitterness and resentment will take root. Characterized by an unforgiving spirit and generally negative, critical attitudes, bitterness and resentment are sinful and self-defeating. They will color your conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions. Allowed to fester, they will destroy and kill - Galatians 5:19-21.

The feeling can be caused by several different situations, however, they all involve a sense of injustice or wrongdoing from an individual. For example, humiliation from friends and relatives, constant discrimination or prejudice, being taken advantage of, feeling unrecognized, envy and jealousy can all result in resentment.

The scripture says: Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" - Hebrews 12: 14&15.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" - Ephesians 4: 31&32.

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly"- I Peter 2:23.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins"- Matthew 6:14 -15.

Cont. on Overcome the Bitterness and Resentment