In churches all over the world people become disgruntled with the church, pastor, or people in the congregation weekly. Choosing not to confront the issues they elect to leave the church. Unfortunately they usually don't leave quietly and even after they leave often times they continue to sow seeds of discontent because they are harboring a bitter and contrite spirit. Oh yes, they tell everyone that life is grand and they could not be happier but the discernment of God clearly reveals the opposite. Because they did not resolve the issue that caused them anger, bitterness will overpower their life. You can lie to yourself repeatedly but a bitter person does not attract friends or grow God's Kingdom.See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
Bitterness is clearly described as a root. Most of the time you cannot see a root because it is buried deep within the ground. If the root of a tree is damaged the tree will perish. If we harbor bitterness in our hearts it will most definitely affect every area of our lives. When we bury bitterness and anger deep within our hearts we can never live in victory. We will never be happy. We will not experience peace and joy is totally out of the question. Our walk with Christ will be tainted. If things are not resolved with the person who hurt you, bitterness will contaminate everything about your life. Your personality, your attitude, and most importantly your walk with Christ. When bitterness shows up in our hearts it overshadows even our deepest Christian relationships. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills our lives, however, he leaves no room for bitterness.
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing - but by then it was too late, tears or no tears. Hebrews 12:14-17 (The Message)
If we are sincere about chasing God and fulfilling His will for our lives, holiness and God's character must permeate our lives. There is no place in a Christian's life for bitterness. If you have elected to leave your church and have recently started to attend another church don't criticize and destroy the work of the former pastor and church. You are living in a very dangerous place if you are constantly gossiping. No sin will enter heaven. The Bible doesn't say some sin or a little sin will enter heaven. The Bible clearly states that sin separates us from God and no sin will enter heaven.
We are truly living in the last days and people who served the Lord all their lives are being deceived and have turned away from God. Seek God daily by reading your Bible and praying. Grow a close relationship with Christ. Walk so close to God that you will know without a shadow of a doubt that when that trumpet sounds you will be gone! Life is too short to carry bitterness and anger in your heart. Make things right today. No one is worth missing heaven. And besides that ....... God has a great plan for your life!
Blessings to you today!
This is so very true my friend, bless you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessing to you also! when my children and I had let go of our bitterness and anger; it was sad for me to see how much bitterness people do carry and how they so encourage others to carry it also. So many times I have been asked, "How could you forgive?" "Aren't you angry?" "If it had been me, I'd..."
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely wonderful post!!! This really hits home with me - I NEEDED to read this - as a matter of fact, I'm emailing you! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is truly an amazing post! Thank-you for ALWAYS...speaking the truth...in LOVE!
ReplyDeleteThere is SO much deception today, especially in the body of Christ, and it's serve all of us well...to deal with our own heart issues, rather than worrying about others.
I loved what you said: "No one is worth missing heaven."
Amen...Amen...and AMEN!!!
Another great post!! After my divorce, this was SO hard!! I finally was able to give my bitterness to God and He gave me JOY! Joy is better any day of the week!!! Love you, Carolyn
ReplyDeleteA little behind in reading posts.
ReplyDeleteThis was good.
I think sometimes people are afraid to talk to someone about problems they might be having with what is going on. So they stuff it hoping it will go away. It does not and that little seed grows until it blocks all good that might be otherwise seen in the people and things around them.
Like my Mom always said, Wherever you go-- there you are. No place will be perfect. We need to first learn to love where we are.
Lots could be said on this subject.
Thank you for sharing that truth with us. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I am a pastor's wife and just last week somebody commented about one of our worship leaders. There comment was that they did not appreciate the style of worship and that was why they had left their other church. Immediately, I got annoyed and thought Oh great another church basher! It's a matter of the heart people.
ReplyDeleteI also think that this post is true for us in ministry too. We want to leave, resign, quit ministry when things are tough instead of letting God see us through in His most powerful and awesome way.
We need to pray for one another, that God will strengthen our hearts and give us an abundance of grace towards one another.
Thanks for your post.
Wow, what a fantastic post - so true, sadly in many instances, but thank you for the wonderful pointers and insights. I have mentioned this post on a blog post of mine - hope you don't mind, if a problem do let me know and I'd quickly remove.
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent post. I think bitterness stems from harboring offenses. I just had a major discussion with two 4th grade boys on the playground this week. I could not believe it. They were fighting ... and as we talked I realised they were bringing offenses to school with them each day and picking up from where they left off the day before. As we talked even more, they started to recite their liturgy of offenses (which I stopped as I did not want to rehash these) - and one of them cheerfully saidk, "oh yes it goes back to Grade 2". Their parents knew and noone had ever spoken to them about how we need to let go our offenses and start each day on a clean slate.
ReplyDeleteGrrrr. It's bad for adults, but where do children learn to do this - how to start a garden of bitterness in your life. Offenses are terrible things.
What a wonderful post you speak the truth through the WORD!!!
ReplyDeleteI just found you but will return often. Thank you
Greetings! Love your thoughts here! I came over @ Karen's Ramblings recommendation. She is a sweetie. I can testify to the truth of your words. Timely (last days) post! God bless you and keep you!
ReplyDeleteMaria