Overcoming Bitterness

In last’s weeks sermon (which can be found here) we looked at the issue of anger, bitterness and resentment and one of the really relevant conversations around these issues is how we can overcome them. It’s a super relevant subject and I discuss it in the latest podcast that can be found below. The main idea is that the gospel saves us from bitterness. Here’s the podcast:

 

Bitter:

Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are called the “bitter and hasty nation” (Hab. 1:6). The “gall of bitterness” expresses a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23). A “root of bitterness” is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15).

The Passover was to be eaten with “bitter herbs” (Ex. 12:8; Num. 9:11). The kind of herbs so designated is not known. Probably they were any bitter herbs obtainable at the place and time when the Passover was celebrated. They represented the severity of the servitude under which the people groaned; and have been regarded also as typical of the sufferings of Christ.

The passage list from the above citation:

They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it.
I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on every waist and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.
For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
  • Easton’s Bible Ditionary

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.