Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
December 3, 2023

No Need to Be Bitter
by Bryan Gibson
Joseph could have been, after his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:12-28), but he wasn’t (Genesis 45:5-8; 50:15-21). David could have been, after Saul tried numerous times to kill him, but he wasn’t (1 Samuel 24:8-12; 26:7-12; 2 Samuel 1:17-27). Paul could have been, after his friends deserted him, but he wasn’t (2 Timothy 4:16-17).
Think you would have handled these situations as well as these men did? The truth is, we often become bitter over far less than what these people had done to them. It’s time, with the Lord’s help, that we rid ourselves of all bitterness, and to do that, we need to understand some of the underlying causes.
Someone wrongs us. Several things can happen in this situation. First, this person may come to us, say he’s sorry, and ask for our forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4). That’s easy—we forgive him, right? Of course we do, but what if we say, “I forgive you,” but still harbor some bitterness? Sorry, but that’s not the kind of forgiveness Jesus had in mind (Matthew 18:35), and it’s not the kind we want to receive for our own sins. On the flip side, suppose this same person does not repent, does not ask for forgiveness, even after repeated attempts to get him to do so (Matthew 18:15-17)? Do we now have a right to be bitter? It’s tempting, but the answer is clearly no. Let the Lord handle it, and let’s get on with our lives (Romans 12:17-21; Colossians 3:25). Bottom line, a wrong done to us is not the worst thing in the world. Ultimately, we should be more concerned for the wrongdoer than ourselves, because it’s his soul that’s in danger.
Envy. Someone is better off than we are. They’ve done something we haven’t. They’re getting bragged on, and we’re not. No question, there’s a close connection between envy and bitterness (James 3:14). Just ask King Saul (1 Samuel 18:5-9), Cain (1 John 3:11-12), Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 37:1-11), and the rulers who handed Jesus over to be crucified (Matthew 27:18). So how do we handle it when others seem to be outdoing us, when others are getting more attention? “Rejoice with those who rejoice…” (Romans 12:15). “…if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Not much room left for bitterness, right?
Hard times (sickness, death of loved ones, other tragedies, etc.). In cases like these, the bitterness is often times expressed toward God. “Why me?” “How could God let this happen?” But really, wouldn’t the better question be, “Why not me?” Suffering is just something we have to endure in this sin-cursed world (Romans 8:18-25), and none of us should feel like we’re immune. Let’s remember this, too, that nothing is more certain than God’s love for us, something He forever proved when He sent His Son to die for us (Romans 8:31-32).
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Colossians 3:19).
“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:14-16).
“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.