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