THE As-Zs OF
NEVERS IN MARRIAGE:
B-BITTERNESS
The New Testament Greek word for
bitterness is PIKROS (pikro,j) and the Old Testament word is MARAR (rr;m'). Both terms refer to the physical human experience of
bitterness though the taste sense (I.e. taste cells in the tongue and mouth) as
well as the metaphysical human experience in the mind and soul related to
thought events. There is bitterness as
a result of coming into contact with something physical (like acid reflux) and
there is a bitterness that is the result of contact with mental events
(anger, jealousy, implacability, arrogance, resentment, lack of forgiveness,
self-justification).
Bitterness
is an emotional mental attitude sin that occurs when anger is pushed inward
until it takes root, producing all manner of trouble and grief including
destruction of capacity for happiness and even damage to physical health. Bitterness is a great enemy of the spiritual
life because it tends to lead to other sins such as self-justification,
self-righteousness, and vilification.
Coupled with the fact that bitterness is totally irrational (only hurt
yourself), the bitter person chooses self-justification for their misery rather
than confession of sin and spiritual advancement. They would rather hold on to, regurgitate, and
chew on the gall of their thoughts, than eliminate them altogether. What
they would not do to their taste buds, they do to their thought
buds. Bitterness is nothing but
self-induced misery (Job 3:20-21).
The
solution to bitterness is threefold:
first put away the mental events that cause the bitterness (sins related
to arrogance & self-pity, lack of gratitude, jealousy) through confession;
second confess the sin of bitterness anytime it crops up; and third keep
growing spiritually by renewing the mind (Rom 12:2) through adjustment to the
various doctrines related to bitterness as well as doctrines related to grace
and gratitude. Learn to be grateful for God's blessings!
Bitterness
in marriage occurs from clinging to an unforgiving spirit. It tortures both you and your partner, ravaging
secretly while blocking any attempts to build real intimacy. Because it operates beneath the surface, it
may not be recognized until almost too late.
Bitterness can be removed only through forgiveness which Jesus Christ
makes possible.
Bitterness
destroys both marriage as well as the spiritual life. Bitterness turns love into hatred. Bitterness turns happiness into malice. Bitterness turns blessing into cursing. Bitterness blames God or man of both for
one’s bad decisions, flaws, and failures.
Bitterness fuels self-righteousness, self-deception, and
self-justification. Due to the emotional
nature of bitterness, it tends to contribute to perpetual carnality. Bitterness destroys all capacity for
happiness in the spiritual life. A
person cannot ever be happy and fulfill the unique spiritual life in the Church
Age if he has bitterness.
Bitterness has no capacity for love, life or happiness. True happiness is in the soul, and the soul
filled with bitterness has no happiness.
Bitterness is one of the most irrational sins in that it destroys no one
but self – and besides who would intentionally vomit for its bitter taste? Yet that is exactly what one does with the
mental attitude sin of bitterness. Why chew on something that is so disgusting? (Self-righteousness? Self-justification?
Self-absorption?)
Is the taste really worth it?
One may not have a choice when it comes to the bitterness one tastes
from what is commonly referred to as a throw-up burp. However, as believers we all have the power
of volition to avoid creating the gall of bitterness in our souls. We have the power and privilege of filling
our souls with other things like the grace of God and occupation with Jesus
Christ.
10
Doctrinal principles on bitterness.
1. Failure to
biblically/doctrinally respond to difficulties leads to bitterness,
Lam 3:15, 17, 19; Ex 1:14;
2. Arrogance is a
source of bitterness, Acts 8:23.
3. Degeneracy is
a source of bitterness, Rom 3:14.
4. Carnality and
reversionism is a source of bitterness, Eph 4:31.
5. Bitter people
are avoided – even by strangers, Prov 14:10.
6. Bitterness is
a result of rejection of Bible doctrine, Js 3:14.
7. Bitterness
and jealousy go together, Js 3:14.
8. Bitterness is
total lack of grace orientation, Job 9:17-18; Heb 12:15.
9. Bitterness
produces stress and complaining, Job 7:11.
10. Bitterness
leads to harsh language against others, Rom 3:13-14.
Doctrine matters!
PT Don