Bitterness & Spite

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no-one else can share its joy. – Proverbs 14:10

Bitterness and Spite can creep into our lives without us even knowing it and end up destroying ourself and everyone we love.  Yesterday I told you the story of Joseph Richardson and his Spite House in New York city.  If you’d like to read the whole story about his sad tale here’s an article with fairly full detail: http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GON/GON005.htm

The point of this sad, sad story is that when we become consumed with “getting even” we end up being the ones paying the price.  The Bible, however, says we are to deal with things in a significantly different manner.  The Apostle Paul writes these powerful words to the church at Ephesus, and to each of you reading this morning…

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:31-32

Whether you like it or not, that’s how we as Christians are supposed to handle things!