THE BATTLE OVER BITTERNESS

From "Pastor's Weekly Briefing" by H. B. London

On April 16 Sen. Obama, in a San Francisco speech, made a statement related to voters in small communities who "cling to religion and guns because they are bitter" — evidently over their economic conditions.

For a few days the story had some legs, but now apparently the news media has gone on to other things. Yet, as I think about his words, the mention of bitterness keeps coming back to me. Bitterness has consequences.

You and I have all been told we can either "be bitter or be better." The Apostle Paul wrote, "Get rid of all bitterness" (Eph. 4:31). In other words, it seems bitterness can be and often is hazardous to your health and spiritual well-being.

I remember a time early in my ministry when I was being pursued by a church board to pastor their church. I was excited — not to mention humbled — by the opportunity. But a church executive got word to the board that I had been very ill, and the illness had affected me emotionally. Needless to say, I was no longer a candidate for that position. When I found out who had been disloyal to me, I allowed the seed of bitterness to take root in my heart. I basically crossed the man off my list and made a vow to myself that I would not associate, communicate or fellowship with that man again. It almost became an obsession with me. All of this was unknown to the man in question.

I carried that bitterness for a long time until I finally had to confess and ask for his forgiveness. My point: Even though the man's words were inaccurate, I had no right to allow bitterness to take over my life. Do you?

I come in contact with a lot of our colleagues, and even their spouses, who are controlled by bitterness. Most of the time, that feeling of bitterness stems from being mistreated, disrespected or betrayed. If I let myself, I can easily be convinced that they have a right to their opinion — but reality tells me not only should they not entertain those feelings, but, if they continue to do so, bitterness will define their ministry.

Paul tells us to "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Col. 3:13).

I know I am writing to someone who is paralyzed by bitterness. I beg you to face your feelings, and do what you need to do. The load that is lifted is so liberating. One other thought: Deal with it as soon as possible — Satan has a way of causing us to procrastinate! Well, enough preaching to the choir.

Be blessed, and be a blessing. —HBL