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“Anger is not bitterness. Bitterness can go on eating at a man’s heart and mind forever. Anger spends itself in its own time.”-A Swiftly Tilting Planet
I’ve been thinking about bitterness lately. It’s a subtle burden that doesn’t usually feel like a burden. After the embittered becomes aware of it, it’s hard to let go, for it feels like a betrayal of feelings and of truth. I read this the other day, and it struck me:
Love is not thinking positive thoughts that have no basis in truth. Believing the best about someone does not mean believing a lie that they spin or that our comfort-loving and happy-hungry hearts spin. Believing the best is all about believing that our sovereign and omnipotent Father will complete his saving work in them no matter how wickedly their hearts betray them and us. It is not about trusting them, but trusting that our God will win out in the end.
A positive thought that has no basis in truth is simply naiveté. Positivity is important, but it shouldn’t be gained at the expense of truth. Relying on positive thoughts and thinking the best about someone’s intentions when a pattern of behavior suggests otherwise is a form of denial, and it does nothing for you or for that person. Between bitterness and denial, realism exists, and it is truth worth fighting for.
Antigone's Clamor 
I actually just heard a sermon on bitterness, and the preacher said that someone who is bitter is ultimately bitter against God, because that person is not letting God direct their life. They don’t see themself as a sinner in the process of sinning, instead they have a sense of entitlement; the believe they should get “this” from “that” person, and if they don’t then they become embittered.
You are absolutely right, though. We have to walk in faith and trust that the Lord will guide and provide.
Good post!
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Wow, that is good. Entitlement…I didn’t even think of it like that. Thanks for sharing that!!
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I know! It definitely put it in a different light. You’re welcome! 🙂
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“Love is not thinking positive thoughts that have no basis in truth. Believing the best about someone does not mean believing a lie that they spin or that our comfort-loving and happy-hungry hearts spin.”
Where did you get that quote? I love it and all that you said here. I see people do it all the time. I’ve done it too many times. Not only is it a form of denial, but it’s “enabling” behavior. It only leads to heartache.
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It’s from a missionary, actually! Because he’s in a sensitive location, I can’t give out his name. He always says good stuff, though.
Absolutely. Kindness is NOT enabling, and that is difficult to learn.
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this i am in love with!deep and profound yet true.positivity and the truth….a thin line that many of us intertwine without knowing…lovely my dear.
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A lot of life is walking the line, I think. Too often, we’re on one side or the other. Happy you liked this! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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