When you are offended or disappointed by others and allow the hurt to grow in your heart, bitterness will take root. Characterized by an unforgiving spirit and generally negative, critical attitudes, bitterness and is sinful and self-defeating. They will color your conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions. Allowed to discharge, they will destroy and kill. However, they can be dispelled with love.

Like depression and other emotional stress, bitterness can aggravate or cause physical problems. You can be affected mentally, spiritually, and otherwise. Your relationships will always suffer.

God can free you from this sin. It is an oppressive and destructive emotion having its root in hate, which is likened to murder. You must repent. No one can have peace and happiness with such emotions tearing at him. If you have not done so, ask God to forgive you and to come into your life right now. He will deliver you from the power of the enemy.

If you are already a Christian, you should still ask God to forgive you for being bitter. Then ask Him to forgive anyone who may have hurt you, and toward whom you are bitter or resentful, even as He forgives you.

Instead of remembering with malice and hurt, remember with forgiveness. Then go one step further and ask God to forgive your offender. By forgiving and then asking God to forgive your offender, you release God to bless you and the other person.