Bitterness is caused by emotions of anger, envy, jealousy, hurt, and resentment, but, can often lead to hate. It can also be caused by a feeling of being wronged by someone. Bitterness can often occur during a divorce, a child custody battle or some sort of trauma.

How can we know if Bitterness is in our heart?

Whatever we focus on becomes our treasure. If we focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and His teachings our hearts will be filled with love. But if we choose to focus on our hurt, our pain, or, the wrongs someone has done to us our heart will be filled with seeds of bitterness. These seeds begin to grow and before long it becomes your whole world. Jesus said;

Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The problem with bitterness is it leads to unforgiveness. As a Christian I know Jesus always stressed the importance to forgive. A few of these scriptures read;

Matthew 6:14,15 – For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:33,34 – Should you not also have compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My Heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.

No doubt, God takes unforgiveness very seriously. Maybe because it pushes out the love each of us are called to have for God and for our fellow man.

What can we do to overcome it?

1. Pray to God and repent of any unforgiveness you may be holding on to. Ask for His help and give to Him any hurt, pain, resentment, envy or jealousy buried within your heart.

2. Read God’s word, the Bible, but, focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, His parables and what He did for us.

3. Read scriptures on love, on the fruit of the Spirit, and the mercy God has given to each who believe in His Son.

4. Glorify the Almighty thanking Him for what He has done in your life.

5. Sing God’s praise. Let Him know just how special He is through song.

And remember, Jesus tells us;

Luke 6:37 – Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

God forgives our sins when we believe in the Good News, when we turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of our sins. When we place our Faith in Him,  believe in Him, follow Him, hope in Him, and trust in Him. He will send the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us.

And since God is willing to forgive our sins, shouldn’t we also be willing to forgive others theirs?