Releasing Bitterness - Basics Outline
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· 10 viewsBitterness can be conquered only by replacing it with forgiveness.
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Releasing Bitterness
Releasing Bitterness
Bitterness is an attitude of extended and intense anger and hostility. It is often accompanied by resentment and a desire to get even. It is a result of not forgiving an offender and letting the hurt and anger grow until the pain and resentment sour the person’s view of life.
Bitterness is...
Bitterness is...
a sin that destroys life. Hebrews 12:14–15 warns that bitterness corrupts by its poison.
a sin that destroys life. Hebrews 12:14–15 warns that bitterness corrupts by its poison.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 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 (Heb 12:14–15 KJV)
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 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 (Heb 12:14–15 KJV)
The Quick-Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling: Personal and Emotional Issues (Key Elements of Bitterness)
Key Elements of Bitterness
Key Elements of Bitterness
Revenge has no more quenching effect on emotions than salt water has on thirst. Walter Weckler
• Unresolved anger—Ephesians 4:26 says that we can be angry without sinning. But when anger is unresolved and allowed to ruminate, it turns into bitterness.
• Unresolved anger—Ephesians 4:26 says that we can be angry without sinning. But when anger is unresolved and allowed to ruminate, it turns into bitterness.
• Inability to grieve—Relationships that do not live up to expectations and that fail to meet legitimate needs can result in feelings of sadness and loss.
• Inability to grieve—Relationships that do not live up to expectations and that fail to meet legitimate needs can result in feelings of sadness and loss.
When people are unable (or unwilling) to face the reality that their needs are never going to be met by a certain relationship, the result can be bitterness. Taking time to grieve the loss is an important prerequisite to becoming free from bitterness. When people refuse to admit that the relationship will never become what they had hoped, the refusal causes bitterness.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Prov. 13:12).
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Prov. 13:12).
• Lack of control—When other people do not meet a person’s needs, he or she can become obsessed with thoughts like, “If they would just do this …” Give it up! People may never do what someone else desires or expects, and they can’t be made to. We can control only ourselves; much bitterness could be avoided if people accepted this truth.
• Lack of control—When other people do not meet a person’s needs, he or she can become obsessed with thoughts like, “If they would just do this …” Give it up! People may never do what someone else desires or expects, and they can’t be made to. We can control only ourselves; much bitterness could be avoided if people accepted this truth.
Key Characteristics of Bitterness
Key Characteristics of Bitterness
resentment to obsessive thoughts of revenge
sarcasm
critical or unkind comments
self-righteousness
conflicts with others
hostility
aggressiveness in relationships
controlling behavior
Father God does not want us to seek revenge
Father God does not want us to seek revenge
When people hurt us - or our loved ones - human nature is to even the score.
When people hurt us - or our loved ones - human nature is to even the score.
Romans 12:17–19 commands us not to seek revenge, but rather let God avenge the wrong.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:17-19 KJV).
Bitterness can be conquered only by forgiveness.
Bitterness can be conquered only by forgiveness.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV)
Ephesians 4:31–32 says to get rid of bitterness by replacing it with forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31–32 says to get rid of bitterness by replacing it with forgiveness.