A bitter thing is not pleasant to taste, and so it is with a bitter person. Bitterness and hatred go hand in hand. We get bitter because of things that we have heard or things that have been done or not done that hurts us. In essence, bitterness springs out of things on the outside and if we allow it to take residence in our hearts, then it will sink its roots and affect who we are.

Allowing bitterness in your heart will defile you and make you sad, disappointed and angry. Disappointment will also taint how you see and respond to those around you.

Someone said that bitterness blows out the candle of joy and leaves the soul in darkness.

Our key verse says that bitterness will defile you and, as Jesus said, a bad tree cannot bear forth good fruit. This means that when you allow bitterness in your heart, then that which comes forth from you will be bitter as well.

If someone has hurt or aggrieved you, take it to the Lord in prayer. Ask the Lord to reveal to you if you are harbouring any bitterness in your heart and ask for his grace to let go.

Be quick to forgive and do not hold grudges.

Like David, may we always make this our prayer;

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)