When you are insulted or upset by others and let the pain to grow in your mind, resentment and anger will develop root. Branded by an unforgiving spirit and generally negative, critical attitudes, bitterness and resentment are sinful and self-defeating.
They will color your conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions. Allowed to fester, they will destroy and kill (Galatians 5:19-21). However, they can be dispelled with love.
What The Scripture Says
Trail harmony with all men, and sanctity without which no man shall see the lord. Perceiving cautiously in order not to fail the splendor of God uproot any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby may be defiled. (Hebrews 12:14,15)
Let all bitterness, resentment, annoyance, uproar and evil talk be put away after you with all cruelty. Be caring and sympathetic to each other, pardon each other, just like Christ pardoned you” (Ephesians 4:31, 32).
When he was hated, he hated not and when he suffered, he threatened not. Rather, he handed himself over to the judges honorably” (1 Peter 2:23).
“Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34).
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But if ye pardon men their trespasses, your father will also pardon you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14, 15).
Do not be boastful, but be eager to mingle with people of little position. Do not be proud. Do not pay anybody evil for evil. Be cautious to do what is true in the presence of everybody.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary.
How To Be Free From Bitterness And Resentment
Like depression and other emotional stress, bitterness and resentment can aggravate or cause physical problems such as arthritis. You can be affected mentally, spiritually, and otherwise. Your relationships will always suffer.
God can free you from this sin. It is a cruel and vicious feeling obtaining its origin in hatred, which is compared to killing. You must ask for forgiveness. No one can have peace and happiness with such emotions tearing at him. If you have not done so, ask God to forgive you and to come into your life right now. He will deliver you from the power of the enemy (Psalm 91:3).
If you are already a Christian, you should still ask God to forgive you for being bitter and resentful. Then ask Him to forgive anyone who may have hurt you, and toward whom you are bitter or resentful, even as He forgives you.
Seek to be baptized with the Holy Spirit if you are not already. Look for opportunities to demonstrate love to the person who offended you.
God forgives and forgets sin. However, you may have made your best effort to forgive and forget and find that you cannot. God can help you to cleanse your memory.
Instead of recollecting with hatred and offense, recollect with pardon. Then go one step further and ask God to forgive your offender. By forgiving and then asking God to forgive your offender, you release God to bless you and the other person.
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