Everybody has experienced these tragic situations in his or her life: an unfaithful mate, an employee who slanders you behind your back, a boss who lines you without explanation, and a subtle betrayal to mention a few.
These things hurt deeply and could provoke thoughts, sense and feelings of bitterness.
An embittered mind is the breeding ground for murder and man slaughter: Now, let me talk about one of the causes of bitterness - betrayal.
Betrayal is external, but the reprisal effect produced is lntemal.
Betrayal is something that others do to you. Bitterness is something you do to yourself.
Thousands survive betrayal easily. But the moment it degenerates into bitterness, only a few can survive it.
However, betrayal, as painful as it is, is only as strong and destructive as your memory of it. Peter, one of the closest people to Jesus publicly denied Him.Judas also betrayed him with a kiss.
What could be more painful than these
Mark 14: 18
"While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me-one who is eating with me.”
But Jesus said something more important than the denial and subtle betrayal-the redemption of mankindl
How frequently do you revisit the pain of a past hurt?
What have you done to be sure no blttemess remains in your mind over the hurt?
How Will you guard yourself against bitterness in the future?
Never keep record of offences.
Ephesians 4:31-32
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Any offence is only as powerful as your memory of it.
It is said that holding onto bitterness is like holding onto a coal of lire With the aim of throwing it at another person, it is the holder's hand that is getting burnt.
So, eliminate any word of bitterness in every conversation.
Do not remind others of your experience, unless it is to teach and encourage them to rise above their own hurts.
Pray for grace to lose memory of offences.
God will increase you in love and maturity. Henoeforth, focus on what God is to achieve through you not on the betrayals of people, get rid of all forms of bitterness. It is well.
