Topical Bible: Being Bitter

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Definition and Nature:
Bitterness is a state of emotional and spiritual distress characterized by feelings of resentment, anger, and hostility. It often arises from perceived injustices, unmet expectations, or unresolved conflicts. In the biblical context, bitterness is seen as a destructive force that can corrupt the heart and disrupt relationships, both with others and with God.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· Exodus 15:23-25: The Israelites encountered bitter water at Marah, which God made sweet through Moses' obedience. This event symbolizes how God can transform bitterness into blessing when approached with faith.
· Ruth 1:20: Naomi, after losing her husband and sons, expresses her bitterness by asking to be called "Mara," meaning bitter. Her account illustrates how personal loss can lead to bitterness, yet also how God can restore and redeem.

2. New Testament:
· Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Paul admonishes believers to remove bitterness from their lives, emphasizing its incompatibility with Christian virtues.
· Hebrews 12:15 : "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many." This passage warns of the pervasive and defiling nature of bitterness, likening it to a root that can grow and spread if not addressed.

Consequences of Bitterness:
Bitterness can lead to spiritual decay, affecting one's relationship with God and others. It can manifest in various forms, such as anger, malice, and unforgiveness, and can hinder spiritual growth and community harmony. The Bible warns that bitterness can defile many, indicating its potential to cause widespread harm.

Overcoming Bitterness:
Scripture provides guidance on overcoming bitterness through forgiveness, grace, and love. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ's example of forgiveness and to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to let go of resentment. Prayer, reflection on God's Word, and seeking reconciliation are practical steps to healing from bitterness.

Examples and Lessons:
· Joseph (Genesis 50:20): Despite being wronged by his brothers, Joseph chose forgiveness over bitterness, recognizing God's sovereign plan in his suffering.
· Job (Job 7:11): Job's lament reflects his struggle with bitterness amidst suffering, yet his account ultimately demonstrates faith and restoration through God's intervention.

Theological Insights:
Bitterness is often linked to a lack of trust in God's justice and sovereignty. It reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to God's will. The Bible teaches that believers are to trust in God's righteous judgment and to leave vengeance to Him (Romans 12:19). By doing so, they can experience peace and freedom from the bondage of bitterness.

Practical Application:
Christians are called to examine their hearts for any trace of bitterness and to seek God's help in removing it. Engaging in regular self-reflection, prayer, and community support can aid in this process. Embracing a lifestyle of gratitude and forgiveness can prevent bitterness from taking root and promote a spirit of joy and contentment.

Topical Bible Verses

James 3:14
But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 5:4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Of the Most Bitter Kind of Scrupulosity Touching Confession. ...
... 1. Of the most bitter kind of scrupulosity touching Confession. ... or what may be said
to be doubtful, accounting everything that they fear (without being able to ...
/.../chapter xi of the most.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... given here, viz., contentions and strivings among brethren, bitter envying, maligning ...
This good intention being established, he raises up men's passions under ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but if ye.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... As many of the world call sweet bitter, and bitter sweet, because of the vitiated
and corrupted palate; so the godly, being in some measure distempered, call ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin
... and He was being crucified; thou wast rejoicing, and He was being buried; thou wast ...
Bitter were thy nails, and sharp; bitter thy tongue, which thou didst whet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v this is he who.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... For being exceedingly bitter, it perverts the reasoning faculty itself.
Such is the nature of what is bitter: it is unprofitable. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

There Can be no Evil Where There is no Good; and an Evil Man is an ...
... and light for darkness: that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." [1104]
And ... forth that which is evil." [1105] Now, what is evil man but an evil being? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 13 there can be no.htm

Bread and Gravel
... But let us not forget that in the highest sense Christ Himself is the 'true bread
that cometh down from heaven.' He may be bitter at first, being eaten with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/bread and gravel.htm

The Earth Brings Forth, as if by Suppuration...
... We ourselves, having been appointed for pursuit, are like hares being hemmed in
from a distance; and heretics go about according to ... Nor is the draught bitter. ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter i the earth brings.htm

The Gethsemane Prayer
... The lowest point of His depression has been reached. The bitterest cup
of all, His bitter cup, is being pressed to His lips. The ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xii the gethsemane prayer.htm

The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey)
... by being not as other men were; only by doing some good thing"by performing some
extraordinary religious feat,"that man could earn eternal life. And bitter ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon i the water of.htm