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This past year, a man came up to me and said, “I’m leaving the church; I can’t get past what this pastor said in his sermon.”
An example of a bitter bit.
When someone says to me, “Do you want to know what ____ did?” Or, “Did you hear about _____?” And, “I can’t get over ____?”
I refuse to let them fill in the blanks because I know that I’m about to hear another bitter bit. I hear them often and deal with them in my own thoughts.
Bitter bit is my term for slight offenses that build to an overly large reaction. Bit upon bit, until a final bit ignites a conflagration of words and actions. Have you ever lost control, couldn’t take it any longer, or overreacted?
Afterward, you feel terrible. You succumbed to a buildup of bitter bits.
Make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many (Hebrews 12:15 TPT).
An ignition of anger comes from bits, not large doses. A blow-up from many incidents. A bitter bit this day, another next week, and after years they become tinder just waiting for a spark.
I’m leaving! I’m never talking to him again! God doesn’t love me! The church is filled with hypocrites. The entire world is against me!
The spark can originate from your spouse, your best friend, your boss, or someone crashing their shopping cart into yours at Walmart.
There is a solution…
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Don’t let the sun go down on your bitter bits. Confess quickly, talk to others in the manner of Galatians 6:1-2 if they have offended you. At night review the day, casting your bitter bits upon the Lord.
The manner of Galatians 6:1-2:
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Single bitter bits are easy to squash. Confess, recognize your fault, confront in love, and move on! If you allow bitter bits to build up, sooner or later you will encounter a person with their own pile of bitter bits.
Then a spark. Then Armageddon!
Life creates bitter bits. Bits can become habit-forming as some live and focus on small offenses. Always angry, they enjoy the low from bitterness – a twisted opposite of those who experience joy from reconciliation.
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV).
The signature mark of a mature Christian is the ability to receive mercy and then extend forgiveness to others. They learn to let praise bits build an attitude of thankfulness. A much better way to enjoy life.
New Year’s Resolution #1 for 2022: I will recognize and confess my bitter bits before they ignite a forest!
Amen.