Dear Friend,

There is a saying out in the world that goes, “Don’t be bitter—be better.” There’s truth in that, and it would really surprise most people to know that being bitter toward something can poison the whole body. Bitterness will create massive problems in our “belief system.” It’s never a good thing to hang on to bitterness, because it really distorts what we see and what we hear, and Satan thrives on people’s misery.

I understand how hard it can be to let go of injustices. However, James 3:14 says: But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. James says it pretty plain here. Wherever there is bitterness and strife, there is no truth. The consequences are evident. Unfortunately, so many Christians today are bitter, but we want them to get better. Amen.

James 3:10,11 states:

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

The devil is an equal-opportunity destroyer. He will continue to give us opportunities to get into strife, bitterness, and unforgiveness. However, we don’t have to respond to any of it. Amen.

Jesus never said our lives would be easy, but we can choose His wisdom over taking an offense. James 3:17,18 talks about God’s wisdom:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Amen. There are so many things going on in the world that create atmospheres for strife and unbelief. Sadly, too many Christians join in, especially in the realm of politics. We have to remember that verse 18 says: And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Amen.   

There was a time in my life when it was so hard for me to let go of the injustices that were done. Nevertheless, I can say that it’s absolutely not worth our relationship with God to remain bitter toward anyone or anything. I know people who can let go of hurts and offenses quickly, but that wasn’t how it was for me. However, Luke 6:35 helped and spoke volumes to me: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

I won’t say it was always easy for me to forgive and to let go of wrongs done—because it wasn’t—but I do know if we try our best, our Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will strengthen us. Amen!

In His love,

Donner Roberson