If you’re looking for ways to overcome bitterness, then this blog post is for you.
When I first got diagnosed with my genetic condition, the rage and anger I felt from not being believed for so long quickly turned into bitterness. I felt like my life became a sick joke because no one that caused my pain seemed to care.
But, what I learned since being diagnosed with my genetic condition is that anger can lead to bitterness. If you want to read more about how to deal with anger, click here.
What Is Bitterness?
Bitterness is the feeling that arises after anger. When the anger and hurt are so deep, the only thing that seems fitting is bitterness.
Because you couldn’t control your diagnosis, the divorce, the loss, the abandonment—bitterness is the one thing you can control.
Bitterness is like a snake ready to attack. It quickly slithers in, without a sound, and waits for just the right moment to bite.
Just like a snake, it’s quick to retreat when it’s done. But the effects can last a lifetime.
Overcoming Bitterness
When dealing with bitterness, you have two options.
You can choose to live your life being bitter and biting anyone that comes along your path, or you can face it with Jesus.
Bitterness is our mind’s way of holding onto control when Jesus is asking you to hand it over to him.
Here are a few scriptures about how to overcome bitterness:
- If you have a bitter root, it affects others whether you see it or not. Hebrews 12:15
- Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, hard words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:31
You can acknowledge that whoever hurt you doesn’t need to apologize for you to retreat your fangs.
Allowing God Into Your Bitterness
One way to release the bitterness is allowing God in.
Allowing him into your pain and the bitterness it caused.
Acknowledge that you are hurt and bitterness has taken root.
You can still release the anger and bitterness without an apology from the person who hurt you.
Just because someone hurt you, doesn’t mean it has to stay with you.
There is also a book I read, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget that discusses bitterness, which is a great read for anyone who is also struggling with bitterness.
Finding Joy In Your Current Life
Another way to overcome bitterness is to find joy in your current life.
Your current life won’t stay your life forever. If you are struggling with the thinking that you don’t have anything good in your life, I would like to politely tell you that is wrong.
I’m sure there is something in your current life that you’re grateful for. I’d encourage you to make a list of these parts of your life to help you see the current joys in your life.
It will help you shift your mind from the hurt to the joy.
A scripture that talks about focusing on the good things, aka the current joys in your life, is in the book of Philippians.
The Bible says, focus on the good in your life. Philippians 4:8.
Find Purpose Through Your Bitterness
Find purpose through your bitterness and hurt. Allowing yourself to use that pain for good.
Using your pain for good will be helpful in giving you a voice. It will also help others who are a few steps behind you regarding their pain.
Conclusion About Bitterness
Remember, bitterness is the feeling that arises after anger. When the anger and hurt are so deep, the only thing that seems fitting is bitterness. But just because it seems fitting doesn’t mean it has to stay.
To overcome bitterness is a hard thing to do when the pain is so deep, but allow God to work through your bitterness. Find joy in your current life and find purpose through your pain and healing. Bitterness doesn’t have to stay forever.
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Blessings,
Ashley Marie
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