How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

Give God Your Revenge

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

Why is this such a crucial promise in overcoming our bent toward bitterness and revenge? The reason is that this promise answers one of the most powerful impulses behind anger — an impulse that is not entirely wrong.

In many cases, real wrongs have been done to us. Therefore, it is not entirely wrong to feel that justice should be done. What’s wrong is to feel that we must make it happen and that we may feel bitter until it does. This would be a deadly mistake.

During my seminary days, Noël and I were in a small group for couples that began to relate at a fairly deep personal level. One evening we were discussing forgiveness and anger. One of the young wives said that she could not and would not forgive her mother for something she had done to her as a young girl.

We talked about some of the biblical commands and warnings concerning an unforgiving spirit.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

If you do not forgive others . . . neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:15)

But she would not budge. So I warned her that her very soul was in danger if she kept on with such an attitude of unforgiving bitterness. But she was adamant that she would not forgive her mother.

The grace of God’s judgment is promised to us here in Romans 12 as a means of helping us overcome such a deadly spirit of revenge and bitterness.

Paul’s argument is that we can be sure that all wrongs will be dealt with by God and that we can leave the matter in his hands because vengeance belongs to the Lord. To motivate us to lay down our vengeful desires he gives us a promise: “I will repay, says the Lord.”

The promise that frees us from an unforgiving, bitter, vengeful spirit is the promise that God will settle our accounts. He will do it more justly and mercifully and more thoroughly than we ever could. He punishes all sin. Nobody gets away with anything. He punishes it either in Christ on the cross for those who repent and trust him, or in hell for those who don’t. Therefore, we can back off and leave room for God to do his perfect work.

John Piper 

Religion Can’t Satisfy Your Soul

“Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” ACTS 8:22-23

 

PONDER THIS

PRACTICE THIS

Do you know why so many churches have trouble? They are inhabited by bitter people who are in bondage. These people have met religion, but they’ve never met Jesus. They have never been broken at the foot of the cross. They’ve never laid their pride in the dust. They have come into a church, not for what they can give, but for what they can get. The Spirit of God is not in these people, and they are troublemakers everywhere they go because their religion has never satisfied them, and it never can. They are disillusioned, they have unfulfilled desires, they got into religion for the wrong reason, and they never find satisfaction. Everywhere they go, they’re like Simon, full of bitterness and full of bondage. As Jesus reminded, those who know Him are not characterized most by bondage but by freedom.

What are some wrong reasons people might seek God today?

How can you know you are seeking Jesus for the right reasons?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

God Celebrates When We Return to Him

PRAY OVER THIS

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Luke 15:17-21

 

PONDER THIS

An old preacher was riding on a train. He looked across the aisle and there was a young boy the preacher could see was in trouble. He went over and sat by him and said, “I don’t want to pry, but do you have a problem? Perhaps I can help you.” The boy said, “Yes, sir, I do have a problem. Many years ago, I had a fight with my parents. I was wicked and ungrateful, and I left home. I have received word recently that my daddy is sick. And I thought how hurtful, hateful, and sinful I’ve been. Would I let my daddy die without my apology to him, without asking his forgiveness?”

The boy continued, “Behind my parents’ house is a large tree. And I told them I would be on this train. And I told them if they would let me come home, to tie a handkerchief on that tree, and we are getting close.” The preacher replied, “Son, you pray, and I’ll look.” The train came around the curve. He said, “Son, lift up your head and look.” The couple had gotten every towel, every bed sheet, every quilt, everything that they could find that was white, and the tree looked like a mountain of snow. They were telling him to come home! And this is the way the Lord welcomes those who come to Him.

When have you been determined to go your own way instead of pursuing life with the Lord? What brought you back to Him?

What makes it difficult for you to forgive and receive those who have done you wrong?

PRACTICE THIS

Pray for your enemies and those who have hurt you. Pray for God to work in their hearts and draw them close to Him. Ask Him to do the same to allow you to forgive them and release any bitterness you have toward them.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Do You Need God’s Remedy for Bitterness?

PRAY OVER THIS

“Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.” Genesis 39:20-23

 

PONDER THIS

We need to be careful about bitterness. Bitter people are not nice to be around. Sometimes pastors get bitter. I know a pastor who served a church for many years. For some reason, the people in that church turned on him, they began to criticize him and, finally, they dismissed him. This pastor asked repeatedly, “How could they do that to me after all I did for them? How could they do that?” And he was very bitter. I thought the shame was he didn’t say, “After all I did for God.” Not for them, but for God.

If you look to people to supply your needs and to recognize your worth, you’re going to be disappointed in life. And you’re going to get bitter. One of the greatest tests of life is not how you react when you’re punished for doing wrong, but how you react when you’re persecuted for doing right. Joseph had done right. He was persecuted and tested but there was not a shred of bitterness in the life of Joseph. How? Because God was with him.

When was the last time you were bitter? How did that cause you to act toward others? Toward God?

Have you ever asked God to be with you when you were tempted with bitterness? How might this change things?

PRACTICE THIS

Talk to a friend about how bitterness manifests itself in your life. Ask him or her to keep you accountable when you move toward bitterness.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Are You Seeking to Restore Relationships?

PRAY OVER THIS

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

 

PONDER THIS

Don’t forgive after you have collected your revenge. Sometimes people hurt us, and we say, “They don’t know how much they hurt me. I’m going to teach them how much I’ve been hurt. I’m going to blame them; I’m going to castigate them; and I’m going to make them suffer. And after they’ve suffered, after they’ve wept, after they’ve pleaded, after they’ve bled, after I’ve gotten my pound of flesh—then perhaps I’ll forgive.” Has anybody ever treated you that way and then finally said, “OK, I’ll forgive you”? What do you feel like saying? You don’t need to be forgiven. You’ve already paid. Followers of Jesus are called to forgive freely. You should be so anxious to forgive people that you chase them and catch them to forgive them.

Isn’t that what God has done for us? Why do we love Him? Because He first loved us. When Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, God did not sit up in Heaven and say, “Well, I’m going to wait, and if they come to me, I might be persuaded to forgive them.” God came to the garden and God said, “Adam, where are you?” That wasn’t the voice of a detective. That was the voice of a brokenhearted God who was seeking someone who had sinned against Him to forgive him freely.

Who do you need to forgive today?

What does it look like to be eager to forgive? How can you forgive even when full reconciliation is not possible?

PRACTICE THIS

Consider if there is anyone you are holding a grudge against. Ask the Lord to help you forgive that person freely today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

How Do You Respond When Hurt?

PRAY OVER THIS

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”

(Hebrews 12:14-15)

 

PONDER THIS

We’ve all been hurt. There is not one of us who has not suffered some kind of hurt. And when we are hurt, our natural inclination is to react with anger. We react with resentment. We have a desire to get even and to hurt the one who has hurt us.

Christians are called to recognize that desire to be wrong. We recognize that as our old nature. In these moments, we are to confess that desire, deal with it, and get over it so it doesn’t become a root of bitterness. But a bitter person is different. When bitter people are hurt, they don’t deal with their bitterness but take it into their hearts. They begin to dwell on it and mull it over and over again. And then they look for other problems to justify this feeling of bitterness.

How do you typically respond when you’ve been hurt?

How might remembering the truth of the Gospel help you avoid bitterness when you’ve been hurt?

PRACTICE THIS

Take time to consider recent hurts you’ve experienced. Are any of these moving toward bitterness? Ask God to help you respond in a manner that honors Christ and does not hold onto hurt.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

Three Dangers to Your Home

BIBLE MEDITATION

“He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.”

(1 Peter 3:10)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Homes are going to experience attacks. Ours has, and yours will. Some attacks come from without and some from within. Let’s think about three kinds of attacks that could come.

Earthquakes come. We’ve known some earthquakes. I mean some things that shook us to the very foundation.

Then there are woodpeckers always beating on your home. You know the woodpeckers. They just hammer away.

But it’s easier to deal with the earthquakes and woodpeckers than the termites. Termites get into the foundation and just silently eat away.

ACTION POINT

One of the greatest dangers to your home comes from within. It’s bitterness. Bitterness, like termites, eats away at your home’s foundation, destroying your marriage. Banish bitterness. Give your spouse the grace you yourself also need.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

Release Your Bitterness

BIBLE MEDITATION

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice”

(Ephesians 4:30-31)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Bitterness creates a climate for the devil. Did you know the devil is bitter? In Revelation 12:17, you find the devil, pictured as a dragon, pursuing the nation Israel. The devil has bitterness, a vendetta against God’s holy people, and he is pursuing. He’s trying any way he can to hurt them.

I’ve seen some Christians with bitterness in their hearts. I don’t know where they got it. Evidently someone hurt them. But the real problem is, there’s a root of bitterness down in their heart. In this, they’re like the devil.

ACTION POINT

Are you bitter? If so, in that regard, you are like the devil. If you’re not careful, before long you’re going to be full of the devil. Don’t let another day go by without bringing that bitterness to God and asking Him to help you release it.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

God proves to be faithful

BIBLE MEDITATION:

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:17-18

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A certain minister served a church for many years; then one day the church asked him to leave. He was talking to another preacher friend and said, “What they did to me was so low, so underhanded. After all I did for them—they treated me this way.” His preacher friend listening thought to himself, “It’s a shame he didn’t do it all for God.”

If you’re serving God in whatever way, don’t do it for people; do it for the Lord. Serve Him. If you’re doing right, people may mistreat you, but what difference does it make if you are serving the Lord? God will prove Himself faithful and will reward you for your obedience.

ACTION POINT:

Don’t bow to bitterness. Tell God what has happened. Let Him deal with it in His time. He will take care of it.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

How Christ Conquered Bitterness

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

No one was more grievously sinned against than Jesus. Every ounce of animosity against him was completely undeserved.

No one has ever lived who was more worthy of honor than Jesus; and no one has been dishonored more.

If anyone had a right to get angry and be bitter and vengeful, it was Jesus. How did he control himself when scoundrels, whose very existence he sustained, spit in his face? First Peter 2:23 gives the answer: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

What this verse means is that Jesus had faith in the future grace of God’s righteous judgment. He did not need to avenge himself for all the indignities he suffered, because he entrusted his cause to God. He left vengeance in God’s hands and prayed for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Peter gives us this glimpse into Jesus’s faith so that we would learn how to live this way ourselves. He said, “You have been called [to endure harsh treatment patiently] . . . because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

If Christ conquered bitterness and vengeance by faith in what God, the good Judge, had promised to do, how much more should we, since we have far less right to murmur for being mistreated than he did?

John Piper 

Give God Your Revenge

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

Why is this such a crucial promise in overcoming our bent toward bitterness and revenge? The reason is that this promise answers one of the most powerful impulses behind anger — an impulse that is not entirely wrong.

In many cases, real wrongs have been done to us. Therefore, it is not entirely wrong to feel that justice should be done. What’s wrong is to feel that we must make it happen and that we may feel bitter until it does. This would be a deadly mistake.

During my seminary days, Noël and I were in a small group for couples that began to relate at a fairly deep personal level. One evening we were discussing forgiveness and anger. One of the young wives said that she could not and would not forgive her mother for something she had done to her as a young girl.

We talked about some of the biblical commands and warnings concerning an unforgiving spirit.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

“If you do not forgive others . . . neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15)

But she would not budge. So I warned her that her very soul was in danger if she kept on with such an attitude of unforgiving bitterness. But she was adamant that she would not forgive her mother.

The grace of God’s judgment is promised to us here in Romans 12 as a means of helping us overcome such a deadly spirit of revenge and bitterness.

Paul’s argument is that we can be sure that all wrongs will be dealt with by God and that we can leave the matter in his hands because vengeance belongs to the Lord. To motivate us to lay down our vengeful desires he gives us a promise: “I will repay, says the Lord.”

The promise that frees us from an unforgiving, bitter, vengeful spirit is the promise that God will settle our accounts. He will do it more justly and mercifully and more thoroughly than we ever could. He punishes all sin. Nobody gets away with anything. He punishes it either in Christ in the cross for those who repent and trust him, or in hell for those who don’t. Therefore, we can back off and leave room for God to do his perfect work.

John Piper 

Let God Reveal It

Let God reveal it, let grace remove it, let good replace it

Bitterness is always wrong! It does not matter what wrong has been done to you.

Justice....
God giving what we deserve
Grace....
God forgives
Mercy....
God not giving us what we deserve

Pursue peace, forgive one another. When there is a need to forgive someone, forgiveness benefits the person that has been wronged as well as the one who did wrong.

THE GERMINATION OF BITTERNESS

The seed of bitterness is a hurt.
The hurt may be intentional.
The hurt may be unintentional.
The hurt may be imagined.
The hurt may be God’s chastisement.

Hebrews 12:5-11
5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

The soil of bitterness is a heart that harbors hostility.

THE DEVASTATION OF BITTERNESS
Hebrews 12:15
15 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

The root of bitterness is underground and easy to hide.

Characteristics of a bitter person….
Very sensitive
Has little or no gratitude
Will harshly criticize or vainly flatter
Holds grudges
Mood swings

Hebrews 12:15
15 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

The fruit of bitterness....
It will affect you physically.
It will affect you emotionally.

Proverbs 15:17
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

It will affect you spiritually.

Hebrews 12:14
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Bitterness has a chain reaction.
Ephesians 4:26
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger
Ephesians 4:30-31
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Bitterness….
Harboring hurt
Wrath….
Bitter and hurt smoldering
Anger….
Outward hurt
Clamor….
Loud speaking

James 3:6
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Evil speaking….
Speak hateful
Malice….
Desiring to hurt someone


THE ERADICATION OF BITTERNESS

Let God reveal it.

Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Jeremiah 17:9
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Let grace remove it.

Hebrews 12:15
15 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

Let good replace it.

Hebrews 12:14
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Ephesians 2:8
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Col.3:13
13 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.


Thanks to Adrian Rogers for this wonderful teaching!