Close_to_Jesus Posted July 26, 2022 Group: Members Followers: 0 Topic Count: 11 Topics Per Day: 0.02 Content Count: 25 Content Per Day: 0.04 Reputation: 16 Days Won: 0 Joined: 06/14/2022 Status: Offline Share Posted July 26, 2022 Hello friends. I hope this Tuesday finds you full of peace and joy! I wanted to share this message with you. We've been putting out weekly discussions for a while now, but I'd have to say that I always feel God's anointing in the posts, this is one was especially powerful. YouTube/ Spotify/ iTunes. Bitterness and unforgiveness can keep us out of heaven. I spent a lot of years in bitterness and I'm sure those of you out there in the know will agree, there is only strife and misery in a heart full of resentment. We may not even know we have bitterness in our heart. It only takes a seed of hurt to grow a root of bitterness. Find out if you have bitterness growing inside you, or if you know you do, find out how to get delivered from it! God can heal all hurt, but we have to have a will to let go of it. It's freely given to you all so please, consider listening. It's just so important and breaking the bonds of bitterness is life changing (and even marriage saving)! Also PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE discuss your experiences with bitterness here. I love reading your stories. Iron sharpens iron and your shared experience could deliver someone out there someday God bless you Misty 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmuffet Posted July 26, 2022 Group: Royal Member Followers: 34 Topic Count: 1,993 Topics Per Day: 0.48 Content Count: 48,691 Content Per Day: 11.76 Reputation: 30,343 Days Won: 226 Joined: 01/11/2013 Status: Offline Share Posted July 26, 2022 (edited) What does the Bible say about bitterness? https://www.gotquestions.org ANSWER Bitterness is resentful cynicism that results in an intense antagonism or hostility toward others. The Bible teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” It then goes on to tell us how to deal with such bitterness and its fruits by being “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). As an adjective, the word bitter means “sharp like an arrow or pungent to the taste, disagreeable; venomous.” The idea is that of the poisonous water given to the women who were suspected of committing adultery in Numbers 5:18: “The bitter water that brings a curse.” In its figurative sense, bitterness refers to a mental or emotional state that corrodes or “eats away at.” Bitterness can affect one experiencing profound grief or anything that acts on the mind in the way poison acts on the body. Bitterness is that state of mind that willfully holds on to angry feelings, ready to take offense, able to break out in anger at any moment. The foremost danger in succumbing to bitterness and allowing it to rule our hearts is that it is a spirit that refuses reconciliation. As a result, bitterness leads to wrath, which is the explosion on the outside of the feelings on the inside. Such unbridled wrath and anger often leads to “brawling,” which is the brash self-absorption of an angry person who needs to make everyone hear his grievances. Another evil brought on by bitterness is slander. As used in Ephesians 4, it is not referring to blasphemy against God or merely slander against men, but to any speech springing from anger and designed to wound or injure others. All this then leads to a spirit of malice, which signifies evil-mindedness or feelings of intense hatred. This kind of attitude is sensual and devilish in its influences. Malice is a deliberate attempt to harm another person. Therefore, “every form of malice” must be done away with (Ephesians 4:31). The person who is bitter is often resentful, cynical, harsh, cold, relentless, and unpleasant to be around. Any expression of these characteristics is sin against God; they are of the flesh, not of His Spirit (Galatians 5:19-21). Hebrews 12:15 warns us to “see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” We must always be wary of allowing “bitter roots” to grow in our hearts; such roots will cause us to fall short of the grace of God. God wills that His people live in love, joy, peace, and holiness—not in bitterness. Therefore, the believer must always watch diligently, being on guard against the dangers of bitterness. Edited July 26, 2022 by missmuffet 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angels4u Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 55 Topic Count: 1,664 Topics Per Day: 0.20 Content Count: 19,764 Content Per Day: 2.38 Reputation: 12,164 Days Won: 28 Joined: 08/22/2001 Status: Offline Share Posted July 27, 2022 I look at this as sincerely love your brother and sister in the Lord,but you don't have to close friends with everybody.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alive Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 22 Topic Count: 194 Topics Per Day: 0.11 Content Count: 11,054 Content Per Day: 6.48 Reputation: 9,018 Days Won: 36 Joined: 09/12/2019 Status: Offline Birthday: 01/09/1956 Share Posted July 27, 2022 16 hours ago, missmuffet said: We must always be wary of allowing “bitter roots” to grow in our hearts; such roots will cause us to fall short of the grace of God. God wills that His people live in love, joy, peace, and holiness—not in bitterness. Therefore, the believer must always watch diligently, being on guard against the dangers of bitterness. Yup--this is one of those really important things for those 'In Christ'. By way of testimony I can share something that the Lord taught me and in His Grace and Mercy, prevented this. Some 10 or so years ago, it was necessary for me to leave a fellowship and to do so in such a way that would not cause division or harm to the brothers and sisters there--a house church. I simply announced it during a meeting as something I believed the Lord wanted me to do. A few days later one of the young in the Lord brothers came to my house and gave me quite a tongue lashing. The Lord instructed me to be silent, because responding would have meant doing what I could not do 'In Christ'. While this fella was berating me, the LOrd spoke two things to me--one of those so clear as to be nearly audible. He said, "do not build a case against your brethren and beware of the root of bitterness". I heard Him loud and clear and He provided the Grace needed to heed Him. It was a lesson that has been very valuable all these years. Bitterness can derail a walk with the Lord.... For those of us 'In Christ' we will encounter many offenses and attacks of various kinds both from outside and inside through those we love. How we respond to these things can either be a damaging thing to all concerned, or great blessing. Heaven rejoices when love reigns. In these times, its good to pray, "Lord, help me to get out of the way and allow you to flow through me". In order for the wonderful aroma of Christ to bless, the alabaster box must be broken. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis1209 Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 18 Topic Count: 350 Topics Per Day: 0.13 Content Count: 7,512 Content Per Day: 2.70 Reputation: 5,411 Days Won: 1 Joined: 09/27/2016 Status: Offline Share Posted July 27, 2022 I don’t think we would be human if we all didn’t experience hatred and unforgiveness toward someone else in our lifetimes. Would I think some more than others? Correct me if I am wrong, but here is a highly crude example: A daughter is battered, molested, or murdered by someone. Do our immediate actions and thoughts turn to loving and forgiving that person(s) that did it at that moment? I am relating to my personal life and hearing testimonies from other born-again believers, except for the Lord Himself. It seems “forgiveness and love” is a process that requires a time of self-reflection of who we are and the Lord’s comfort, help, and mercy to overcome. Many are not capable of that kind of forgiveness without the Lord and harbor lifelong hatred and retribution seeking revenge. Not to mention unforgiveness and hate causing mental and physical stress and health problems with early death. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alive Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 22 Topic Count: 194 Topics Per Day: 0.11 Content Count: 11,054 Content Per Day: 6.48 Reputation: 9,018 Days Won: 36 Joined: 09/12/2019 Status: Offline Birthday: 01/09/1956 Share Posted July 27, 2022 4 minutes ago, Dennis1209 said: I don’t think we would be human if we all didn’t experience hatred and unforgiveness toward someone else in our lifetimes. Would I think some more than others? Correct me if I am wrong, but here is a highly crude example: A daughter is battered, molested, or murdered by someone. Do our immediate actions and thoughts turn to loving and forgiving that person(s) that did it at that moment? I am relating to my personal life and hearing testimonies from other born-again believers, except for the Lord Himself. It seems “forgiveness and love” is a process that requires a time of self-reflection of who we are and the Lord’s comfort, help, and mercy to overcome. Many are not capable of that kind of forgiveness without the Lord and harbor lifelong hatred and retribution seeking revenge. Not to mention unforgiveness and hate causing mental and physical stress and health problems with early death. There is a great deal that can be said about what you have written here, but the short answer is: John 15:5 (NKJVS) “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. I have actually experienced what you mention as one of my daughters was mollested at a very early age. The Lord shielded me in a miraculous manner, when that individual knocked on my door. He was a neighbor and I suspect he was worried that I knew. It was a big deal with specialists, doctors and Navy personel involved as that guy was in the navy---the navy promply re-assigned him to another base. The power of the Life of Christ within is beyond the ken of humans. Wow! I hadn't thought about that for years. It happened about 40 or so years ago. The key to all of these things is in the analogy of the alibaster box. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sower Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 14 Topic Count: 32 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 5,269 Content Per Day: 0.97 Reputation: 5,891 Days Won: 1 Joined: 07/09/2009 Status: Offline Share Posted July 27, 2022 18 hours ago, Close_to_Jesus said: Bitterness and unforgiveness can keep us out of heaven. The bible says it is unbelief that keeps you out of heaven. When you first believed and are born again, of the spirit, you have entered into the army of God. We are sealed in God by His Spirit within us! "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory" Ephesians 1:13-14 As a new born believer, God is within us then to enable us to understand/discern His word. The word being sharp will start cutting out our bitterness and unforgiveness, and a whole lot more, should we allow. It will be replaced with those good things, the God things. I can testify to God working miracles. God is the potter. And He is good at what He does. We are all that work in progress, conforming to the image of God. Sometimes slowly. Remember Peter and the rooster. The word is what convicts us. The word is God. God chastises all those whom He loves. We all (will eventually) understand that. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
existential mabel Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Royal Member Followers: 7 Topic Count: 151 Topics Per Day: 0.05 Content Count: 3,151 Content Per Day: 1.05 Reputation: 2,068 Days Won: 0 Joined: 02/12/2016 Status: Offline Share Posted July 27, 2022 52 minutes ago, Sower said: The bible says it is unbelief that keeps you out of heaven. When you first believed and are born again, of the spirit, you have entered into the army of God. We are sealed in God by His Spirit within us! "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory" Ephesians 1:13-14 Yes Sower indeed! having studied for many months, now i understand this to be truly so. and good that it is because i struggle with bitterness and have done for a long time. tried to sort it out by prayer and healing but it just wont shift its miserable. its just as well that this bitterness is not a barrier to heaven as i would be toast with no hope. but i have the hope of Eternal Salvation Titus 2:13 looking for that blessed hope..Paraphrasing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alive Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 22 Topic Count: 194 Topics Per Day: 0.11 Content Count: 11,054 Content Per Day: 6.48 Reputation: 9,018 Days Won: 36 Joined: 09/12/2019 Status: Offline Birthday: 01/09/1956 Share Posted July 27, 2022 23 minutes ago, existential mabel said: Yes Sower indeed! having studied for many months, now i understand this to be truly so. and good that it is because i struggle with bitterness and have done for a long time. tried to sort it out by prayer and healing but it just wont shift its miserable. its just as well that this bitterness is not a barrier to heaven as i would be toast with no hope. but i have the hope of Eternal Salvation Titus 2:13 looking for that blessed hope..Paraphrasing This is who you are, mabel! John 6:37 (NKJVS) All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sower Posted July 27, 2022 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 14 Topic Count: 32 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 5,269 Content Per Day: 0.97 Reputation: 5,891 Days Won: 1 Joined: 07/09/2009 Status: Offline Share Posted July 27, 2022 2 hours ago, Alive said: There is a great deal that can be said about what you have written here, but the short answer is: John 15:5 (NKJVS) “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. I have actually experienced what you mention as one of my daughters was mollested at a very early age. The Lord shielded me in a miraculous manner, when that individual knocked on my door. Trust me when I say, I do understand completely, and have been there, yet deciding not to confront the man perpetrator. I was genuinely afraid what I would do. Cross the line. God closed the door. Not I but Christ in me. Abide. John 15 is my Favorite and most studied new testament chapter. Abide; stay in a given place. Remain.continue, stay, pitch a tent, tabernacle. (Home!) Walk in the spirit, abide in Christ, acknowledge God about everything, trust His direction, and look for it. And wait. (the hard part) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.thumb.jpg.c1d9a229fc1308f01457d1cbf9903181.jpg)
Recommended Posts