December 10, 2014 – when it hurts

I have had reasons to be bitter. In fact, every so often, I can feel bitterness trying to sneak up on me. Let’s face it – there are plenty of good reasons why we can get bitter. Life can be very unfair.

So how can you resist, avoid, and rid yourself of bitterness?

Trust. If you are familiar with the Bible, there are scriptures about forgiving, turning the other cheek, and going the extra mile. I wasn’t able to do these things well until I decided to do what God asks us to do: trust Him with all our heart. It has made all the difference. God says there will be a day when he makes things right and he will wipe away our tears once and for all. This settles it for me. It helps me to accept what I cannot change.

Acknowledge. I’ve hurt people. I’ve said things and done things I shouldn’t have. Bitterness will have a hard time finding a place in you when you admit to your own faults.

Nothing is new under the sun. What you have faced, others have faced, too. That doesn’t make it hurt less, but it opens our eyes to the bigger picture. Bitterness makes us spend too much time looking at the smaller picture and keeping us miserable.

Be free.