Overcoming Bitterness.
 

All of us at time or another are facing with a situations,where we are hurt,these situations can happen in church and also out of church.
Since man's day are short full of trouble in everybody's life a little rain must fall.
However who wants to be bitter and be a hardened person and go around with their stomach tied up in knots and be sick with bitterness.

What are some healthy things believers can do to help overcome bitterness ?
Prayer and fasting are biggies,perhaps some of you might have some ideas on overcoming bitterness.

Also please don't drag details of old stories that cause you pain and grief,because
I don't anybody to relieve things that cause you discomfort.

But what are somethings we can do to help those who are struggling with bitterness ?

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

Forgive.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

The reason I ask such,is I really have a burden for hurt people.
I desire to minister in a compassionate manner to such people.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

I pray that God will bless your efforts in such a ministry. In my short time as a Christian, this type of ministry is rare indeed, but needed, and biblically is what Christ came for, He said that they that are whole need not a physician.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

It is rare but I see a need for it.Please pray for me that I can allow the grace of God to work through me.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

rule number 1 forgive, rule number 2 accept forgiveness, if forgiveness not offered by offender or accepted when given, then refer to rule number 1, dt

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

I was gonna say, "Beat the living daylights out of them" but yeah, your suggestion is probably better.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

Somtimes life answers are indeed simple.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

I agree that forgiving is most important. Forgiving is hard to do sometimes though when you're hurting. For myself, I had to cut all contact with the people I was bitter against for awhile. After a few years, I was able to start initiating contact again, and then eventually forgive.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

As people have already said here, forgiveness is the key in overcoming bitterness.

I came from a very troubled home. My Stepfather was an alcoholic and very abusive. Without going into a great amount of detail, I grew up angry and bitter against him for what he did. All of my siblings struggle as well, and I’ve tried so hard to help them.

I realized I must forgive or I will die with this grudge which I felt was justified to carry. After years of toiling with this, I finally realized forgiveness was not an option, it was required if I wanted to live in peace.

When I was 34 years old I made the phone call of my life. I called my Stepfather, seeking for forgiveness, not for what he had done, but for my anger and grudge against him. I asked him to forgive me. After tears and a few more words of confession, little did I know that this would be one of the best days of my life.

I'm 50 now, and my Stepfather has told me he loves me like his own son. He comes to visit our home all of the time and attends the Church I pastor, which is a miracle by itself. My father attends no other Church until he comes to our town, and I'm still stunned how this whole experience has turned out.

I introduce him as my Father to those who don't know him, letting him know I love him like my own Dad, who passed away 25 years ago. We are the best of friends and bitterness is gone.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

It's easy to tell someone who is hurting to forgive. I know first hand it is far harder to do it when you are the one hurting.

Besides, I think you all are missing the point. He is not asking how the one who is hurt should deal with it. He is asking how we should deal with them.

My answer is to empathize, encourage, and understand. Dont judge them for being bitter, but gently warn them of the danger of bitterness. I would relate my own experience with bitterness, and the positive and negative ways in which I was dealt by various people, but Bro. Scott specifically asked not to relay such stories.

Suffice it to say some were supportive and understanding, but those I depended on the most were judgemental, and because of that I spent 6 years living with hate and the knowledge that if I didnt survive the day, I would be eternally lost.

Thank God that His love is greater.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

Thank you Oil City Cajun for your answer.

Re: Overcoming Bitterness.
 

Good post.

The very best thing you can do is listen, and don't tell them they shouldn't feel the way they feel. Most of the time people just need someone to talk to. Very often, just getting it off of your chest is therapeutic, and helps with the healing.

Someone who cares. That's what hurt people need.