Better....not Bitter!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today? Have a large serving so that you’ll be “better” not “bitter”!

            Ephesians 4:31 is very clear in what we should do regarding bitterness.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

Does that verse say “hold on to bitterness”? Or “get rid of most”?  It specifically tells us to GET RID OF ALL bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander and malice. If we don’t, instead of becoming a better Christian….growing in our spiritual walk with Him, we will become bitter and have little positive influence on those around us.  Our outlook will become negative and the words that come from our mouths will be full of criticism.

There are many circumstances that present themselves which could easily make us bitter.  Todd Smith from the Christian music group, Selah, and his beautiful wife, Angie, lost a child shortly after birth.  They were devastated; they couldn’t understand why God allowed such a tragedy to come to them.  BUT they have chosen to continue to trust in Him and serve Him.  Instead of becoming bitter, they choose to grow daily in their relationship with God…allowing Him to turn this horrific experience into something beautiful that glorifies His name. In so doing, they are reaching thousands of hurting hearts, as they proclaim God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Psalm 46:1 brings comfort: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

May we “get rid of ALL bitter thoughts” so that we’ll be drinking the JOY JUICE of Jesus and becoming “better” not “bitter”!