Bitterness is an evil that can develop and grow within a person almost unbeknownst to him. I am convinced that it is a tool which Satan uses to entrap even the very ones who have worked hard at ridding their lives of many other sins.

The apostle Peter spoke of bitterness as a poison when rebuking the former sorcerer. He said, "I see that you are poisoned by bitterness" (Acts 8:23).

Simon’s condition was not exclusive to him. None of us are immune to its venom. Husbands are warned against being bitter towards their wives (Col. 3:19). Though the inspired writer did not specifically mention the possibility, I have no doubt that wives can develop bitterness toward their husbands. Certainly, if a father fails to heed the apostle’s instructions to avoid discouraging his children by provoking them to wrath (Col. 3:21), they will likely develop bitterness toward him.

Preachers are prime candidates for this poisonous condition. Though most preachers are treated well by the brethren, occasionally they are not. Unreasonable expectations of the preacher and/or his family can cause resentment which, if he is not careful, will lead to bitterness. Or a preacher may expect brethren to live up to his expectations, and get discouraged when they don’t. Many able men have lost their influence, some even losing their faith, after being overcome with bitterness toward the brethren.

The elderly (and those approaching old age) seem to be especially susceptible to bitterness. Perhaps the loss of energy, diminished capacities, health problems and the perception (real or imagined) that the younger generation doesn’t appreciate us, opens the door to bitterness.

Bitterness is the state of being "sharp and disagreeable; harsh; severe; piercing" (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It can be brought on by a number of circumstances, including: discouragement, hopelessness, envy and jealousy.

The New Testament has several things to say about this attitude:

1. It needs to be "put away" (Eph. 4:25-32). The apostle Paul lists it among many other sins, and among those which "grieve the Holy Spirit."
2. It is connected with "cursing" (Rom. 3:9-18). Christians who would never curse verbally may be guilty of "virtual cursing" by their display of bitterness. This may be only in thought, but if unchecked will eventually manifest itself in harshness.
3. It is a spiritual "poison" (Acts 8:18-23). As already noted, Simon, who in becoming a Christian had to repent of his sorcery, was told that his bitterness was his poison that had him "bound by iniquity." Suddenly without the attention of the masses, perhaps he became jealous of the apostles’ power to convey the Holy Spirit by the laying on of their hands.
4. It can "spring up" unannounced (Heb. 12:12-17). Read these verses and note how the Hebrew writer tells us that we ought to be "looking carefully… lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble…" (v. 15). If unchecked it can take hold of us so powerfully that, like Esau, we might not find place for repentance, even if we want to.

It’s one thing to identify a problem, and another to provide a remedy. By applying the scriptures I believe we can beat this villain on two fronts.

First, we should help prevent it in others by avoiding what promotes it. For instance, a husband’s bitterness can be lessened by the wife’s attitude and behavior (Eph. 5:25, 28, 33a). A wife’s bitterness may be avoided if the husband treats her as God instructs (Eph. 5:22, 33b). Parents’ bitterness can be minimized if children will obey (Eph. 6:1-3), and children will be less likely to become bitter if fathers will listen to God (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).

All Christians should make a concerted effort not to be a discouragement to others. Younger Christians, in their enthusiasm and zeal, must not leave the older generation behind. They need to understand that "change" (even though it is within authority) is unsettling to the elderly. Bring them along gently.

Older Christians need to accept what they know in their hearts - that change is inevitable, and as long as it is scriptural, it may even be desirable. Don’t "quench the spirit" of the youth lest they become bitter.

You can help a preacher avoid the pitfall of bitterness by being an encouragement to him in his efforts to teach the lost and edify the saints. Treat him as the brother he is, rather than an employee of the church who can be hired and fired at will.

Knowing that envy and jealousy promote bitterness, we should avoid flaunting power, possessions, or any other advantage we have over others.

Furthermore, we must fight bitterness in ourselves by actively resisting it. To borrow a phrase from Barney Fife, "Nip it in the bud!"

Treat it like any other temptation. Start by recognizing Satan as the source of bitter attitudes.

When the symptoms appear, study and meditate on the scriptures instead of having a "pity-party."

Be willing to rejoice with those who are blessed more than you—replace envy with joy. And most of all, pray for help.

Bitterness has the potential to consume a person and drain him of his spirituality, and oh, how Satan enjoys that!

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