Are you Growing Bitter or Better?
That is the question we can all ask ourselves as we age and DAILY present our hearts to Christ. When we hold onto slights and grudges, over time, these items become seeds of bitterness.
Negative comments about others are the fruit of bitter seeds. The comments are results of bitter thoughts that germinate and fester. We cut people off, distance ourselves away from them, withhold communication and so much more.
Are we granting grace and mercy as it was delivered to us? We always have a choice.
Do we become better or bitter when we plant ourselves in the soil of negative perceptions, negative outcomes, and negative interpretations?
Few want to be vulnerable and say, “I am hurt because of what you said/did.”
No, it is easier to be angry, and recite reasons to justify anger. These words sound like, “because you suggested this, did that or acted like this, I refuse to forgive you.”
An alternative approach is to ask someone why they said or did something.
Some people only have a negative outlook, a negative approach, a negative worldview.
So, they are bitter. They keep a record of wrongs done to them.
Results of Bitterness
But what does bitterness do?
What price do these seeds of bitterness do to your soul?
Physically, it can cause isolation, anxiety, and a host of other problems.
It might make you feel good because you convinced yourself you are better than the other person.
It might also make you believe your bitterness is justified because, again, you didn’t do that, so they shouldn’t have either!!
But bitterness is not of God. Forgiveness is the way to freedom. Try it.