Bitterness vs. the Grace of God

Does bitterness damage you both emotionally and spiritually? And physically? Must we fall into bitterness when we experience suffering, struggles, sickness, mistreatment, misunderstandings, misfortune, loss, loneliness, tragedy, trials, conflict, crisis, failure, pain, problems, or our own sin? Absolutely not! (Romans 6:1-2)

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Does God’s grace ever fail? Never! However, we often fail to appropriate the grace of God because of our own selfish pride. James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. I heard the following quote regarding grace:

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace. – Jerry Bridges

Whether we are having a good day, or a bad day, we need God’s grace. According to Hebrews 12:15 it is possible for us to fail of the grace of God. The reason for this is that we have not been Looking Diligently, realizing our need of God’s grace.

We know that bitterness has the potential of causing us a multitude of pain and problems. Since bitterness is so destructive to our own personal lives, we are reminded that the grace of God will keep us from becoming bitter.  Our focus must be on the Lord. We must ask God to show us our own sinful heart, then humbly maintain our walk in the grace of God. God’s grace leads to many good things in our life. The Holy Spirit pours the love of God in and through us. Instead of becoming bitter, we become better.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  

God adds grace to our lives in numerous ways:

·        Prayer and bible study privately and at church

·        Preaching and teaching in the church

·        Fellowship of believers

·        In our service to God

·        As we humbly ask for His grace, etc.

·        In all our experiences throughout the day we receive just what we need when we need it.

If you are walking with the Lord and walking in the Spirit, then when temptation to become bitter arises, you will be able to cast down those evil imaginations and continue walking in the Spirit.

Do you believe the bible? If you do, then you must realize that God uses the negative circumstances of life and even other people’s faults, inconsistencies, and wrongdoings to make you better, not bitter. Many bitter foods such as apple cider vinegar, Brussel sprouts, kale, cruciferous vegetables, etc. are good for us to eat. We can eat whatever God puts on our plate. We must trust Him.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

You might say that you don’t have enough faith to not be bitter. Then the following question that Hudson Taylor asked his friend may help you. He asked how to strengthen his faith. His friend McCarthy responded, “Not by striving after faith, but by resting in the faithful one.” This changed Hudson Taylor’s perspective, and Hudson Taylor was one of the greatest missionaries of all time. We often need to change our focus and rest in God who is always good and always faithful.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.