READ: Ephesians 4:26-32
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Hebrews 12:15
Bitterness is perhaps the greatest condition that prevents a person from being faithful unto death. An analysis of rebellious and fallen pastors reveals a consistent strain of bitterness and unforgiveness in them.
Bitterness is a convoluted, complicated and deep-seated version of unforgiveness. Bitterness is the spiteful, malevolent, malicious and vengeful version of unforgiveness. A person who is deeply rooted in unforgiveness becomes bitter. Bitterness is something that troubles and defiles many people.
I have watched many pastors become hurt and bitter after they were corrected. I remember different occasions where pastors were rebuked and never recovered from their hurt and offence. Because they were types of people that did not let go of issues, a simple correction became the door through which satan destroyed them.
I remember a lady who was dismissed from her job and grew in bitterness until she became a traitor walking in the footsteps of Judas himself. Imagine a female Judas!
I remember an ignorant young man who had never worked in the secular world before. He had no idea about the rules of employment. When he was asked to follow the rules of employment, he became so upset that he launched himself into a bitter fight against me. His response of bitterness and hatred was so unusual that satan took advantage of him and destroyed him.
I remember a pastor, who was transferred from his city to another place, who became so bitter that he sought to destroy me with all his strength and might.
Be careful that you never walk in convoluted, vengeful, implacable, rancorous unforgiveness and hatred. Bitterness will destroy you! Bitterness will destroy many people!