“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Bitterness is a poison that slowly seeps into the soul. It affects our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. It can arise from deep hurts, betrayals, or unresolved conflicts, and it can cause resentment and anger. However, with God’s help, we can overcome bitterness with grace and forgiveness.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32 that it "be put away from you," and, instead, to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another. These words echo the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified forgiveness even in the face of unjust treatment and profound betrayal.
Overcoming bitterness begins with humbly acknowledging our feelings honestly before God. It's okay to admit our pain and disappointment, yet, we must not allow these emotions to control us. Through prayer, we ask God into our wounded places, asking Him to heal and transform our hearts.
Forgiveness plays a crucial role in releasing bitterness. It does not excuse the wrong done to us, nor does it minimize our pain. Rather, forgiveness frees us from the chains of resentment, allowing God's healing grace to flow into our lives. Just as Christ forgave us, we are called to forgive others – not because they deserve it, but because God's love compels us to extend grace as we have received it.
Jesus, while being crucified said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) “Said” in the Greek language is an imperfect tense that indicates a continuous action. In other words, Jesus continually said it. Jesus continues to extend mercy, grace, and forgiveness every time we fail.
Choosing forgiveness does not always come easily. It may require a daily commitment to let go of bitterness and embrace God's peace. It will require us to humbly admit that we are in need of daily forgiveness ourselves, and to extend the same grace to others that we have received.
As we attempt to overcome bitterness, let us remember that our ultimate example is Jesus Christ. His sacrificial love on the cross reconciled us to God, offering forgiveness and new life. May His example empower us to forgive others, to release bitterness, and to live in the freedom and joy that come from walking in His grace.