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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Nature:
Bitterness is a state of emotional and spiritual distress characterized by feelings of resentment, anger, and hostility. It often arises from perceived injustices, unmet expectations, or unresolved conflicts. In the biblical context, bitterness is seen as a destructive force that can corrupt the heart and disrupt relationships, both with others and with God.

Biblical References:

1.Old Testament:
·Exodus 15:23-25: The Israelites encountered bitter water at Marah, which God made sweet through Moses' obedience. This event symbolizes how God can transform bitterness into blessing when approached with faith.
·Ruth 1:20: Naomi, after losing her husband and sons, expresses her bitterness by asking to be called "Mara," meaning bitter. Her account illustrates how personal loss can lead to bitterness, yet also how God can restore and redeem.

2.New Testament:
·Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Paul admonishes believers to remove bitterness from their lives, emphasizing its incompatibility with Christian virtues.
·Hebrews 12:15 : "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many." This passage warns of the pervasive and defiling nature of bitterness, likening it to a root that can grow and spread if not addressed.

Consequences of Bitterness:
Bitterness can lead to spiritual decay, affecting one's relationship with God and others. It can manifest in various forms, such as anger, malice, and unforgiveness, and can hinder spiritual growth and community harmony. The Bible warns that bitterness can defile many, indicating its potential to cause widespread harm.

Overcoming Bitterness:
Scripture provides guidance on overcoming bitterness through forgiveness, grace, and love. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ's example of forgiveness and to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to let go of resentment. Prayer, reflection on God's Word, and seeking reconciliation are practical steps to healing from bitterness.

Examples and Lessons:
·Joseph (Genesis 50:20): Despite being wronged by his brothers, Joseph chose forgiveness over bitterness, recognizing God's sovereign plan in his suffering.
·Job (Job 7:11): Job's lament reflects his struggle with bitterness amidst suffering, yet his account ultimately demonstrates faith and restoration through God's intervention.

Theological Insights:
Bitterness is often linked to a lack of trust in God's justice and sovereignty. It reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to God's will. The Bible teaches that believers are to trust in God's righteous judgment and to leave vengeance to Him (Romans 12:19). By doing so, they can experience peace and freedom from the bondage of bitterness.

Practical Application:
Christians are called to examine their hearts for any trace of bitterness and to seek God's help in removing it. Engaging in regular self-reflection, prayer, and community support can aid in this process. Embracing a lifestyle of gratitude and forgiveness can prevent bitterness from taking root and promote a spirit of joy and contentment.

Topical Bible Verses

James 3:14
But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 5:4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Of the MostBitter Kind of Scrupulosity Touching Confession. ...
... 1. Of the mostbitter kind of scrupulosity touching Confession.... or what may be said
to be doubtful, accounting everything that they fear (withoutbeing able to...

"But if Ye haveBitter Envying," &C.
... given here, viz., contentions and strivings among brethren,bitter envying, maligning...
This good intentionbeing established, he raises up men's passions under...

"But if Ye haveBitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory...
... As many of the world call sweetbitter, andbitter sweet, because of the vitiated
and corrupted palate; so the godly,being in some measure distempered, call...

This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin
... and He wasbeing crucified; thou wast rejoicing, and He wasbeing buried; thou wast...
Bitter were thy nails, and sharp;bitter thy tongue, which thou didst whet...

Hebrews xii. 14
... Forbeing exceedinglybitter, it perverts the reasoning faculty itself.
Such is the nature of what isbitter: it is unprofitable....

There Can be no Evil Where There is no Good; and an Evil Man is an...
... and light for darkness: that putbitter for sweet, and sweet forbitter." [1104]
And... forth that which is evil." [1105] Now, what is evil man but an evilbeing?...

Bread and Gravel
... But let us not forget that in the highest sense Christ Himself is the 'true bread
that cometh down from heaven.' He may bebitter at first,being eaten with...

The Earth Brings Forth, as if by Suppuration...
... We ourselves, having been appointed for pursuit, are like haresbeing hemmed in
from a distance; and heretics go about according to... Nor is the draughtbitter....

The Gethsemane Prayer
... The lowest point of His depression has been reached. The bitterest cup
of all, Hisbitter cup, isbeing pressed to His lips. The...

The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey)
... bybeing not as other men were; only by doing some good thing"by performing some
extraordinary religious feat,"that man could earn eternal life. Andbitter...