As people of faith, we are called to live according to principles and teachings from the Bible. In this article, let's look at five (5) Biblical Principles that can help us address the issue of Bitterness.
1. Forgiveness: Jesus taught us in Luke 6:37, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” We must forgive those who have done us wrong so that God will also forgive us. Forgiveness doesn't always mean forgetting what has happened, but we are willing to let go of our Bitterness and offer mercy instead.
2. Hope: In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Hope is essential when dealing with difficult experiences that trigger Bitterness in us. Having faith that God can restore what has been broken helps us to move past our pain and look toward His healing.
3. Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its way; it is not irritable or resentful” (ESV). When we can look beyond our hurt feelings and recognize that love should be our guide, we can more easily move past the Bitterness we feel.
4. Trust: Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (ESV). To combat Bitterness, we must put our trust in God and not rely on our understanding. The Lord knows what is best for us, even when we don't understand it.
5. Mercy: James 2:13 says, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (ESV). We must be willing to extend mercy, even when it is hard, to experience God's grace and freedom from Bitterness.
By applying these Biblical Principles of Forgiveness, Hope, Love, Trust, and Mercy into our lives, we can experience true healing and peace from the Bitterness we feel. It won't be an easy process, but by having faith that God can restore what has been broken and offering mercy to those who have wronged us, we can battle Bitterness with the hope of a brighter future. We must remember that our ultimate victory will come through Jesus Christ, the source of our healing and hope.