Bitterness; a Powerful Stronghold

I just completed the third part of a four part series called “Master Life; the Disciple’s Victory”. Each Master Life book is designed as a six week study. One of the teachings in this section is each week a stronghold is addressed that may be established in us; as well as guidelines for breaking down a stronghold.

Bitterness was the first stronghold addressed. Bitterness is indeed a powerful stronghold. It blocks our relationships with others. More importantly it obstructs our relationship with God.

Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a list of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are emotions and attributes God wants us to live by. How does bitterness stack up against these attributes?

What is bitterness? Bitterness is characterized by intense antagonism or hostility. It is resentful or cynical. Bitterness is often the result of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment.

Do you harbor bitterness towards someone? Is bitterness being directed at you by someone?

If we consider this as a spiritual battle it is important to remind ourselves that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (TNIV)

Should we agree that the battle is spiritual, then it is not personal. If bitterness is the result of severe disappointment aren't we making that circumstance personal? If antagonism or hostility is being hurled at us isn’t the true danger in making this personal?

The Belt of Truth

Avery T. Willis, Jr. gives three reminders for utilizing the Spiritual Armor of the Belt of Truth.

1. Be true to yourself and to God when you pray or fight a spiritual battle
2. Hold onto the truth. Satan, the father of lies, would like to deceive you.
3. Master your emotions. Your emotions should be guided by the truth rather than the flesh or by Satan. The Belt of Truth covers the bowels or inward parts, referring to the place where feelings reside or to feelings themselves. The Belt of Truth helps you to control your emotions and not compromise because of your feelings. If the Belt of Truth is not in place, you cannot expect your prayers to be answered.

Whether the battle to overcome the spiritual stronghold of bitterness is offensive or defensive, as the case may be, are we true to ourselves and to God? Are we honest, in our own heart, as to what the circumstances really are and the part we play?

Are our actions and thoughts guided by what the Word tells us? Be careful that we are not conforming to the pattern of this world!

Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you master your emotions. Pray for “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 In other words, if we demonstrate these emotions we can’t go wrong.

I welcome your comments on dealing with the stronghold of bitterness.

Look for additional articles on breaking down this stronghold.