Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.

Ephesians 4:31 (CEV)

Bitterness is a deeply buried unresolved anger of the heart.

It is a slow and imperceptible poison that seeps into the soul, and if left unchecked, it can cause massive damage or harm to everything in its path. Unforgiveness fuels bitterness. Our refusal to forgive can lead us to commit heinous or unthinkable evils.

The Bible contains many examples and stories of people whose lives were ruined because they couldn't let go of bitterness and resentment in order to taste God's goodness.

Bitterness manifests itself as a monster with many heads, including anger, blame, hatred, ill will, jealousy, rage, resentment, suspicion, and unfriendliness. Don't be bitter or resentful, no matter how justified you believe you are! It's not worth it in the long run. Allow God to bring divine justice and refrain from carrying out personal vengeance.

Make sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people.

Hebrews 12:15 (CEV)

Grace is the cure to the poison of bitterness.

You are responsible for preventing any poisonous root of bitterness from sprouting in your heart. Bitterness is a form of emotional pollution that encourages and contributes to toxic relationships. However, God's grace is a bitterness-killer. When God's grace reigns in your heart, He has the power to transform your bitterness into a sweet blessing, your hurts into hope, and your grudges into goodwill. It takes as much energy to be bitter as it does to be loving. Both necessitate dedication and commitment, but only one leads to the path of life and righteousness.

Ask God today to help you live your life His way.

If someone's words or actions have offended you, find an opportunity to express your feelings about what offended you and why you felt that way. Allow the other person an opportunity to apologise and then pray together. You are thus destroying Satan's two most powerful weapons: accusation and deception.

There are times when you may be the one who offends someone else without even realising it. The truth is that sometimes people will not forgive you for offending them — but God will. Remember that your righteousness is based on His ability to help you walk righteously before Him. This gives you the grace to grow strong in the Lord and the strength to give grace to others.