Bitter and bitterness are in the Bible 69 times. It is very important for a Christian to watch his attitude. We are to be the opposite of bitterness. We are to be a joyous and happy people. Yes, things can happen in our lives, which can make us bitter. We have all faced several tests in the past, and we will be tried in the future. Joseph faced several trials, which could have caused him to be bitter. He overcame, and so must we!
In proving that all have sinned, Paul described some “whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14). This reminds us of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, murmuring and complaining about any and every thing. This could happen to us today, so we must watch ourselves, and keep bitterness out of our lives.
Husbands and wives can become bitter toward each other. It must be guarded against. God says, “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Colossians 3:19). The family of God must not be bitter against each other. God says, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice, and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
We must remember the source of bitterness. It is not from God. James says, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:14-15).
We must not become bitter in our attitude toward the truth. God says, “Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness, springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). This passage deals with those who might become bitterly opposed to the gospel, because of hardship and persecution. We must accept the truth and obey the truth, regardless of the consequences we suffer, as a result of our obedience.
Looking toward Jesus and the reward is the only way we can overcome bitterness, while under trying circumstances (Hebrews 11:24-26 and 12:2-3). The Christian has no reason to be sour and bitter about life. The injustices are short, and eternity is long. God will right all wrongs!