Escaping the Root of Bitterness

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Enemy to Love.

A fine line seems to separate hurt from a deep revengeful sense of bitterness. The difficulty is in knowing when we cross that line. Bitterness is an ugly gripping anger that seeks everything ugly and painful on those individuals who have hurt us. Take this study to learn how to deal with pain so that bitterness doesn't take root.

What causes bitterness to take root?
What are the results of bitterness?
How can you resolve bitterness?

Bitterness often involves loss of perspective. The event that is causing us to grow bitter is often a real or perceived injustice. Because of the sense of injustice we can deny that there really is bitterness in our hearts. Acknowledging the bitterness and seeking to let go of the injustice is part of how we deal with bitterness. If injustice is causing your bitterness, reflect on how you can deal with that. Bitterness often causes us to become totally involved in our own problems. This inward focus is fine for a time, because we do need to examine what is going on. There becomes a point where too much inward-focus can lead to self-pity and then eventually to bitterness. Thinking about how an outward focus- one that looks at the needs and issues of others – might be a tool to help remove bitterness from your life.
How do you deal with your own bitterness?
How do you deal with the bitterness of another person that you are close to?
What issues may you have to face in dealing with bitterness?

Bitterness can also be directed at God. We struggle with what He has done, and what He has allowed into our lives. Where does the point come where we acknowledge that there is more to the picture than we see now?
How do you get on the path to healing and restoration in your life?

Healing and restoration often begins when we acknowledge that there is a problem. That is not an easy thing to do. It can be very painful to look into our hearts and see what is really there. Being honest with oneself is not an easy thing. Think about what things prevent this type of honesty, and thus so often the necessary healing.
How does dealing or not dealing with bitterness affect your view of God?
What additional thoughts or comments do you have regarding this study?

Tell us a bit about the situation you are facing, and what steps you have taken to deal with it…and what other steps you think you can take.
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Escaping the Root of Bitterness

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