The Bitter Woman

Life has its highs and lows---unexpected change can come, death, a move, financial issues, marital problems. If we are not careful to think biblically, something dangerous can set in. It is called bitterness. Here are some of the signs:

Common Signs of Bitterness:

1. Gossip and Slander

2. Ungrateful and Complaining

3. Judges Motives

4. Self-centered

5. Excessive Sorrow

6. Vengeful

7. Brooding

8. Loss of Joy

9. A Critical, Judgmental Attitude

Entertaining bitterness can result in a woman who acts out and yells at her husband & children, pouts to get attention, name-calls, criticizes, manipulates by crying (or silence) to get her way, and acts no less like a child who is throwing a tantrum. Only now, the scary thing is...she is a full blown adult! It truly defiles her family and herself. (Heb 12:15)

Are you that woman?



It is so easy to take our eyes off Jesus. Like Peter who began to sink in the water as he took his eyes off Jesus--we are no different. We simply cannot allow circumstances to rule our moods or our lives. This is not just a form of tearing down our homes, but also SIN. We are called to self-control. This means not just externals but the ever so important internals. The fruit of the spirit is abounding in love, joy,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22)

Problems affect all of us. I believe our greatest need apart from Christ is knowing and trusting Scripture to help renew our minds. Do we really believe the promises? Do we trust God with EVERY aspect of our lives (not just the ones that are easy to surrender)? How great is our faith? If it is small, we had better make sure to pray for that small mustard seed to grow.

If God truly directs our paths, then we should have no need of worry. We don't need to react. He is in control, not us. We are blessed to have a Solid Rock, a firm Foundation. We cannot be swayed emotionally to and fro like the waves. We must close and guard the door so that bitterness cannot sneak into our lives.

Bitterness grows when you 'take into account a wrong suffered' (1 Corinthians 13:5) but Hebrews 12:15 teaches us to:

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled."