The world is a bitter place, and we live in a fallen world.  Bitterness comes each and every day, and it is killing our soul.  This vice is so easy to take root, because it is the vice designed to eat away at our eternal being.  Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment for this treatment.  I’ve had a lot to be angry about, over the years the attacks of the evil one have been harsh.

3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.      Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

Bitterness is the natural response of the world to when bad things happen.  When your wife leaves you after 22 years of marriage, yes it’s easy to be bitter.   But bitterness isn’t going to fix anything because it leads to Wrath, Malice, Vengeance, and Hate.  If we all lived in a world where revenge was always the response, we would live in a world of blind toothless people with blood lust for the next response.  That’s no way to live!

First Bitterness takes root in our thoughts,  the things that go on in our head.   We think, “That’s not right what that person did to me.” and it festers and it becomes sinful.  Bitterness builds and builds, and it always is looking to one-up or be spiteful.  At this point we’ve opened our hearts enough to allow creeping of wrath and malice.

Let’s back up, was the bitterness necessary?  It’s because we are justifying the wrong that was done to us,  we don’t see justice.  Justice is the idea that we are making our world right and balanced, and Justice is a virtue that is Godly, and Good in itself.   God is a God of Order and He is righteous and has the best order for all people.  Justice is good.

For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.  Psalm 37:28 (ESV)

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. Psalm 103:6 (ESV)

God loves Justice, we need to trust that God’s justice is perfect and Holy.   We need to seek Justice in all aspects of our life, we need the order that God established, and that sin is trying to destroy.   When we don’t trust that God will provide Justice, then we desire vengeance.

Vengeance builds with the culmination of the wrath we are missing from what we perceive to be injustice or the lack of justice.   We need to stop that right there.   We have no need for vengeance, because God has perfect wrath and perfect vengeance, in His perfect time.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

Let’s get back to the eternal… Back to Colossians 3:1-7

First I have to go back and remember, I am a sinner and a wretched fallen person too.  I was once dead in my sins and transgressions before a Holy God who desired justice!   My sins against Him were so huge, I couldn’t count them.  And it was Christ, who took the wrath and vengeance the Father should have poured out on me.  I am dead and Christ is living in me, as he dwelt in the Temple of Solomon, and The Tabernacle of the Lord.   I have the Holy Spirit living in me, each and every day.

So as a new creation I need to set my mind on his eternal plan, not on this dead and dying world.  This world deserves Justice, but it is wonderful that God is patient and merciful to wait in His Judgement.   Now for me, I can take every task as a step towards mercy, and patience, and ultimately love for my fellow wretches.  When injustice knocks on my door, I need to show love and kindness.   I need to have understanding and compassion.

I am dead, and it’s Christ who lives in me.   Bitterness has no place in my heart, only kindness, mercy and compassion.

Image by Dustan Woodhouse