The devastation of bitterness
The darkness grips and will not release. Anger and resentment engage with every so slight a trigger. There is purpose in the hate turned to anger, turned to bitterness. It comes with a bittersweet companionship. As much as it appears to be a solace, one is always aware that in the darkness, there is truth, a doorway to a better way of existing.
Bitterness has a greater impact than we can see. Freedom comes with the acknowledgement of these truths.
Emotionally unhealthy: The first great enemy to lasting change is the propensity to turn our eyes away from the wound and pretend things are fine. The work of restoration cannot begin until a problem is fully faced. Nursing bitterness does not resolve the pain, but fuels it.
Based on lies and distortions: Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 Lies destroy relationships and until we know truth, we build on assumptions of our limited understanding. The lies may be in how we perceive our worth, as the reason for our pain can be because someone did something very wrong, for which they truly need to be accountable.
A spiritual stronghold: Strongholds are built upon deception and lies that we've accepted into our minds. So how do you counter a lie? How do you counter deception? With the truth. Where do we find the truth? In the Word of God. As we can see in Ephesians, this weapon is known as the sword of the Spirit: Ephesians 6:17, "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." It’s hard work to break strongholds, but the person we need to free is ourselves.
Affecting others: We are not isolated in our pain and bitterness. As much as we may want everyone to turn against those who have hurt us, that is not likely, or a healthy approach. Our anger and bitterness affects people around us.
When we are hurt, wounded or betrayed by someone, it leaves us reeling. We often don’t know where to go or who to turn to. One can feel entirely alone or sometimes, people rally others together. These are both difficult things to engage in. The road to healing takes time. Betrayal is painful, however, bitterness is not the choice to deal with that pain. There are people who are willing to walk towards healing with you. Don’t go it alone. Strive for the way of least destruction.