Sisters for Yah

      The Bible has much to say about how we should handle our emotions.  Bitterness is probably one of the most destructive of all the negative feelings a person could experience.  There are even medical studies that prove that negative emotions are destructive to our physical bodies.  Harboring anger, resentment, and bitterness can weaken our immune systems, thereby making us more susceptible to illness.  Studies even show that cancer patients who keep a happier frame of mind have much better outcomes than those who are always “down in the dumps.”  We see examples of bitterness in Scripture:

      Job 10:1, I am disgusted with my life.  Let me complain freely.  I will speak of the bitterness of my soul.

      Ecclesiastes 2:17, Now I hate life because everything done here is so irrational.  Everything is meaningless, like chasing the wind.

      Proverbs 19:3, People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at Yahweh.

 

      Yes, practicing sin can cause unwelcome consequences in our lives.  But sometimes we may not have had anything to do with the bad things that happen to us.  We can suffer because of other peoples sins too.  So is there anything we can do to help ourselves resolve bitterness?  Let’s use Scripture to answer this.

 

      Mark 11:25, When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.

      Acts 8: 22-23, Turn from your wickedness and pray to Yahweh.  Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitterness and held captive by sin.

      Ephesians 4:31-32, Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as Yahweh, through Messiah has forgiven you.