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If we were honest with ourselves, we have all battled bitterness at some point in our lives. 

Bitterness can be

Towards another person…for hurting you,

Towards God…for allowing a problem in your life,

Towards yourself…for failures. 

I know bitterness is a common problem because

We have all been hurt,

We have all had problems,

We have all failed.

 The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary tells us that bitterness is

  1. In a figurative sense, extreme enmity, grudge, hatred; or rather an excessive degree or implacableness of passions and emotions; as the bitterness of anger. (Ephesians 4:31)
  2. Sharpness; severity of temper.
  3. Keenness of reproach; piquancy; biting sarcasm.
  4. Keen sorrow; painful affliction; vexation; deep distress of mind. Hannah was in bitterness of soul. (1 Samuel 1:10) (Job 7:11)

 Dictionary.com describes bitterness as 

  1. a harsh, acrid taste that is one of the four basic taste sensations; a taste that is not sour, sweet, or salty: 
  2. a feeling of pain or distress:

The person who has allowed the root of bitterness to bind them has experienced something, whether it be hurt, a problem, or a failure, which has placed an unpleasant taste in their mouth. 

The person who willingly exposes the bitterness will realize that the bad taste in their mouth has practically ruined them socially, spiritually; and emotionally. 

The pill of bitterness is so hard to swallow, but when it has been swallowed, it is even harder to digest. The bitter pill lodges within our very being and wreaks havoc upon us continually.

I know from personal experience how damaging it can be to live with bitterness and unforgiveness. I like to say it’s like taking poison and hoping your enemy will die. 

Over the next few weeks, I want to look at overcoming bitterness. I leave you with this to think about. Are you dealing with bitterness in your life? The first step to overcoming bitterness is admitting we have a problem with it. This week, inventory your heart and mind to see if you're bitter, and begin asking God to help you overcome this damaging disease.