Bitter Heart

Every human being experiences the pain of resentment, anger and sadness; where the emotions over time can erode the heart with bitterness. Thus, leads an individual to hold onto negative thoughts, rather than moving forward by letting go of the sense of injustice (forgiveness).

Common causes of bitterness include: unfair treatment, betrayal, unmet expectations, grief, stress, and a comparison with others. If the emotional pain doesn’t get resolved, then it’s easy to be stuck on a cycle of dwelling. The real tragedy is that it may even seep through relationship dynamics with others and individually breaking connection with God.

“Jesus replied: ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

In a broken world, it is expected to be hurt by others and we will hurt other human beings. However, the good news is that we cannot, with our own power, let go of bitterness. There is this need to cling our souls to Christ. We need to shift the cycle from bitterness to the cycle of returning to the cross. Dying to our self in lament and repentance. It definitely is easier said than done in action. However, it is not impossible when the process involves God in between you and the past pain. In this Christian life, we are required to practice self-denial and to endure hardships through perseverance until we unite with Christ in eternal heaven.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

Application

  1. The first step is to bow your head in a prayer stance where you communicate with God. It’s okay to lament to Him of your resentment, anger, and sadness. He is our ultimate counselor who can heal our pain.

  2. Give yourself grace. Sometimes the process of healing has no time frame. It may take a day, it may take a few months, and sometimes it may take years to let go (forgive). However, the more you spend time communing with Christ, the fruit will show up.

August 13, 2025

Written by: Molly Moon