The Subtle Betrayer

the spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible.

Those who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet, not only men, but Satan and his agents. Let them remember the Saviour's words, "Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves." Luke 10:3. Let them rest in the love of God, and the spirit will be kept calm, even under personal abuse. The Lord will clothe them with a divine panoply. His Holy Spirit will influence the mind and heart, so that their voices shall not catch the notes of the baying of the wolves... The Desire of Ages, p. 353.

Observation: Bitterness is a subtle betrayer. Bitterness is when we seek to nurse our own wounds rather than coming to God. Bitterness is a failure to rest in the love of God. It is focusing on personal revenge rather than trusting in the word of God which says: "'vengeance is mine,' declares the Lord." Bitterness is perceiving our co-workers, our boss, even our family as the enemy when the Bible clearly declares: "Our battle is not against flesh and blood." And finally, like the betrayer of Christ, bitterness comes with a kiss that leads to a curse; a curse of anger, resentment, and rage.

Eventually this anger and rage can turn inward. It then becomes depression and self-loathing. O what a miserable lot we humans are. We even cloak our bitterness in religiosity; failing to comprehend that we are fulfilling prophecy:

"You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!"

(2Tim 3:1-5 NRSV)

Yes, outwardly bitterness can look like godliness. It will cloak gossip in the form of a prayer request. It will cloak verbal abuse in the guise of telling the hard truth. Bitterness will even make itself the martyr, all the while, remaining angry and enraged and speaking with venomous words. But, even if those words contain thread of truth, if they are not spoken in love, they are not the truth in its fullness. Ultimately, they are a denial of truth; a denial of Christ:

The disciples might speak fluently on doctrines, they might repeat the words of Christ Himself; but unless they possessed Christlike meekness and love, they were not confessing Him. A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him, whatever the profession. Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking, by foolish talking, by words that are untruthful or unkind. They may deny Him by shunning life's burdens, by the pursuit of sinful pleasure. They may deny Him by conforming to the world, by uncourteous behavior, by the love of their own opinions, by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, borrowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness. In all these ways they declare that Christ is not in them. The Desire of Ages, p. 357

Application: I have betrayed myself, my friends, my family, and my God through bitterness. In seeking to justify self, in bemoaning my work, in bickering with my boss, in blaming my wife, and in blowing up at my kids... I have allowed the bitterroot to grow. I'm reminded of the words of Sara Groves...

I will not let this bitter root grow in me.

I will not let you leave that legacy,

But it gets so hard when pain is all I see (oh).

And every time I find healing, you're making a new mess,

And I am learning the real meaning of forgiveness.

Yes, it seems when I've just about gotten the victory over self, when I've just about found healing, I'm making a new mess. I'm the one stirring up strife. It's seems so often that I'm my greatest enemy.

"Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord... There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." (Rom 7:24, 8:1-2 NRSV)

Prayer: Lord Jesus I'm so thankful for your forgiveness. I'm so grateful that You do not condemn me this morning, that you are setting me free from this body of death, that you are turning waters of Meribah (bitterness) sweet through the power of Your cross.

Have your way in me Jesus. Soften my heart. Let my life shine with the gentle and compelling glow of Your Sweet Spirit. May I be as a candle in the darkness, soft and warm and welcoming. O change me Jesus. Turn my rage to repentance and my anger to peace. I yield to You now. My only hope! My Prince of Peace.