When we are faced with offence, hurt and disappointment caused by others, it can be easy to fall into a root of bitterness. But God says in His word that because of what Jesus has done, forgiveness of sins flows to us and we in turn can now forgive and be forgiven, instead of allowing bitterness to flourish.
Hebrews 12:15 tells us, "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." When faced with the opportunity to become unforgiving we open ourselves up so easily to bitterness.
Bitterness is not God's plan and design for anyone. It causes us to fall out of rhythm and out of favour. God desires that His people be freed from any form of bitterness towards offence and hurt.
Bitterness cripples us
God's desire for all of us is to be productive, and bitterness hinders us from that productivity. James 1:19-20 says, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Bitterness cannot produce fruit that comes from God and can even choke and kill what fruit is already in us. The sooner we allow the Spirit of God to wash us with His joy, peace and forgiveness, the more productive we can become.
Bitterness is a sign of mistrust
Proverbs 20:22 tells us, "Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." Instead of seeking revenge and retribution, God calls us to trust that He is still in control. Often bitter people feel the urge to take justice into their own hands, but God asks us to trust that He is just as fair as He is loving and that He desires the best for everyone.
God is not bitter towards us
Probably the most liberating thought is that God did not hold our sins and offences against us but chose to redeem us through the sacrifice of His own Son. Colossians 3:13 reminds us, "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Ephesians 4:32 also command us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." We can forgive primarily because God has already forgiven us and has freed us from the emotional baggage, hurt and damage that relational dysfunction can bring. We can look to God to heal us where bitterness will fail to fulfil us.
