Quiet Time Notes
Notes from my daily Quiet Times with God
Falling in Love with God - Bitterness
April 2nd, 2008Previous |
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An emotional response (along with fear) that succeed at undermining our love for God
A result of an uncard-for emotional wound
Matthew 18:15-17 - can resolve most issues
Sometimes we are just called on to forgive
Not forgiving is like allowing a physical cut become infected
Examples
- Esau wept bitteryly when he failed to receive the blessing - Genesis 27:34
- Israelites incrediblity harsh and treatment from the Eyptians - Exodus 1:14
- Naomi changed her name to Mara, meaning "bitterness" (losted husband and sons) - Ruth 1:21
- Hannah wept "in bitterness of soul" because of her infertility - 1 Samuel 1:10
- David's men because of the loss of their children - 1 Samuel 30:6
- Job while not understanding the discipline of God - Job 7:11
- Missing the grace of God cause bitter root - Hebrews 12:15
- Envy becomes bitterness - James 3:14
Bitterness will actively oppose any attempt to restore our love for God
Bitter or better - a channel of curses or blessings
Disciples need Jesus' example to overcome the pain of the cross
Jesus wants us to have his attitude toward suffering
- What form do we expect our Christian suffering to take?
- Are we looking for a Christianity that does not involve suffering?
Bible command us to get rid of all bitterness
Two ways to overcome bittereness: