I Give Up Bitterness

15th Day of Lenten Devotional Series
Guest Post by: Melissa Trent, Meadow Land Baptist Church

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

It's no wonder that scripture clearly asks us to "put away" so many negative emotions. I know the last time I was angry or wrathful it did no one any good. Shouting (clamor) never makes anyone's day better. Having the intention to do evil (malice) certainly doesn't reflect Christlike behavior. And while all of these are hard enough to try to control in a carnal and weary world, bitterness can be the hardest one of all. 

For me anyway. 

So why do I feel the burden of bitterness and need to give it up not only for Lent, but for GOOD? 

Well, many times I've tried to do kind things for others. You name the good deed and if I haven't done it at some point over the years, I'd be surprised. The problem doesn't lie in doing good. I love doing for others. The problem lies in being treated unfairly afterward. Being treated unfairly in any circumstance can really ruffle my feathers! I don't take kindly to those who've treated me poorly. Especially if I've done nothing to deserve it. So I turn bitter. Tasteless. Tart.  

Bitterness removes sweetness. 

I really don't want to lose my sweetness just because I wasn't treated how I thought I'd be treated after being kind, helpful, loving, generous, or thoughtful to someone. We are all fighting our own battles and I can't take it personally. 

God's word states that we are to let it all be put away. Not some of it. All those negative emotions and responses. It's not a choice. It's expected of us. 

In place of all those ugly behaviors, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. In essence...we are to be sweet!

Why?

Because God loves us and has instructed us too!

Therefore, I'm putting away bitterness.... and every other undesirable trait listed in Ephesians 4:31-32.... for Lent...and for GOOD. 

Heavenly Father, Awesome and Holy one, thank you for blessing me with your word. Thank you for speaking to me through scripture. Father I want to me more like you. Today, I am putting bitterness, anger, wrath, slander, and malice away. These are not behaviors you want from your children. I declare they are gone, never to return. By the power of the Holy Spirit inside me, I cast them aside. My help comes from the Lord. Thank you for teaching me to be more like you. In your Holy name I pray. Amen.