How have you been affected by bitter people, and what have you done to help them break free of their bitterness?
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AManofGod on January 31, 2011 at 8:49 pm
It is so hard to deal with bitter people sometimes……especially when they are in your own family! I have a situation where a family member is so angry, bitter and resentful toward me it is amazing! The person has done their all to hurt me and even has gone so far as to say horrible things about me to all who will listen.
How did I respond?
I would tell this individual constantly that I loved them. At first I felt stupid saying this….and I’m sure this relative thought the same. After awhile as I continued to say “I love you” I would receive the typical response of expletives or nasty comments. After awhile the slurs decreased and now have almost stopped. The person still treats me horribly but now it doesn’t bother me as much as it once did. I know that I am doing what God would want and what the other person does is for them to deal with.
God really is working in me…..and on me!
AManofGod
tom felten on February 1, 2011 at 9:02 am
AManofGod, great example of what it means to be filled with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s true that we can’t choose how people will treat us, but we can choose how we respond. By seeing their ugly behavior as the result of a spiritual battle (trying not to take it personally), it helps us withstand the attacks. The Apostle Paul said it well, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).
claude01779 on February 1, 2011 at 2:33 am
Yes, God’s unconditional love working through us coupled with prayer is the best cure for bitterness.
tom felten on February 1, 2011 at 9:05 am
You’re right, claude01779, the love of God that we have tasted and known—that drew us from the bitterness and death of sin—can be extended to others. Check out 1 John 4:7-11.
alegria on February 2, 2011 at 8:26 am
Bitterness – it seems to be passed down in my dad’s family like brown hair and high blood pressure. Those family members who really know Jesus have moved beyond that ugly mindset. We strive, like Claude, to show God’s unconditional love to others. Only Christ can truly wash bitterness from a person’s soul, but those of us who know him can be a trickle of water sanding the rough edges off hurtful attitudes.
claude01779 on February 2, 2011 at 11:17 am
I praise the Lord for being part of the ODJ family! Thank you for your replies! It’s a great joy to be able to fellowship with such loving christians like you- Mr. Tom Felten and Alegria 🙂 You’ve made my day today 🙂