“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31 ESV
There’s an Asian vegetable called karela, or bitter melon. My father-in-law loves it. Me? Not so much. Though it’s supposed to be really good for you, it lives up to its name indeed—if you get my point.
But other than bitter veggies, there’s a much bigger cause for pause—the bitterness of the heart. Bitter and sweet waters can’t come out of the same fountain (James 3:11).
For us to grow, we have to let it go.
I know, that’s easier said than done. But what isn’t lol? We as humans have to do hard things. HARD things. But the light and the saving grace and the hope and all the good things come from the fact that we don’t have to do it alone! We have help. And comfort. And strength.
May I pose a question to you? Do you think that person/situation/circumstance/etc that caused a root of bitterness to spring up (Heb 12:15) in your heart is bigger than God?
If you are still bitter, I dare say yes.
I’m not trying to be insensitive, I am trying to get us to be reflective.
The Lord wants us to walk in forgiveness, not bitterness which in turn will lead to wholeness.
Pray with me:
Father, you know my heart and the reasons behind my bitterness. Please help me Lord to not be bitter AT ALL. I want to walk in true freedom. I have given that person/situation/circumstance/etc too much weight in my life. I repent, Lord and realign my focus and trust in You. Thank you for helping me, as usual. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
~mnm
