How to overcome bitterness

photo by aaron escobar

Cynicism and bitterness prevail in people's relationships. I noted this in a few lyrics in the Top Ten on ITunes yesterday.

Cynicsim in relationships from Coldplay, "Viva la Vida":

For some reason I can't explain

Once you go there was never

Never an honest word

And that was when I ruled the world.

It may be overstatement, but to think that there is no honesty sounds cynical to me.

Bitterness in a relationship from Rihanna, "Disturbia":

Faded pictures on the wall

It's like they talking to me

Disconnectin' your call

Your phone don't even ring

I gotta get out

Or figure this {omitted word} out

It's too close for comfort

She is considering, getting over a relationship. She has strong feelings about the other person. And it feels like it's okay to act this way. But is it the best for relationships.

I don't think so. I believe the Bible is the remedy. If you worry about small disputes turning into lonstanding misunderstandings or you've been burned in a relationship before and you feel cynical about any long-term friendship, then you need to dowload the podcast and hear what I shared last night at Four14. You can try to mend that broken relationship. There is something you can do.

Now if you are facing someone who is a chronic liar, who betrays you consistently, one who has a pattern of betraying you, or other relationship hurdles, then you need what I post here below. You may want to shut down. You may want to run away from it all. You may want to anonymously call Jerry Springer or an on-air help line. No mater how devastating a relationship has damaged you, there is hope.

You might ask. "What about the bitterness I feel from my recent friendship that is now strained? What do I do?"

I'm glad you asked. The Bible has a solution for dealing with bitterness.

Often when you do not forgive another or when the other does not repent, you dwell on the offense and begin to destroy yourself with bitterness. Remember, the other person does not cause your bitterness. You create it by wrong thinking. In order to deal with bitterness you must practice the following as a Christ-follower:

1. Recognize that God is in control of the situation (Phillippians 4:11-13)


2. Put off dwelling on thoughts that stimulate bitterness (Ephesians 4:31)


3. Put on kindness, compassion, and loving deeds for the other person (Ephesians 4:32)


4. Utilize the biblical think list (Philippians 4:8)

You may have to work hard at uprooting bitterness in your life. So ask a trusted friend to help you through the process. You can mend broken relationships even when bitterness has set in. Follow what the Bible says and live by uprooting bitterness and growing biblical action instead.