What is the best way to overcome bitterness and resentment?

Question

God has had to deal with me about being umerciful and judgemental to people in my church that are single mothers.

I was very hurt and embittered because I was unable to have children and these young girsl were having the babies I always wanted.

I used to have misgivings and sterotypes about single moms and I was very wrong and arrogant to feel this way and think this way exspecially when I did not know the whole story and when these moms would be brave to come to church and admit that they were pregnant.

I have come to humbly realize I am not "all that" and what I have is BECAUSE of Gods amamzing grace. Me being bitter and angry has not and does not help me or the single moms that need to be ministered to. What are ways to continue to overcome the bitterness and resentment I have at times? How can I help others and not judge but love the way Jesus did? Have any of you ever experienced these feelings?

Answer 1

Realizing you have these feelings is the 1st step. Pray for
You must let those feelings go. Or they will be a heavy burden and only grow. I was 15 when my son was born i am 32 now. It is very hard for those girls to come to church. You couldn't even imagine how they feel. You need to open your heart and arms to those girls. Only when you have done this will you be at Peace and blessed. My son is 17 and a senior this year. Good Luck

Answer 2

So are you saying that as a human you could not have overcome bitterness and resentment, but only by "God"s hands that you did?

Is there a remote possibility that you have always been a compassionate person but were at one time too anxious and arrogant to see past your own opinions until you became less ignorant of the situation and opened up your heart?

If you have free will, should you chose your way to run your own life? It is after-all your responsibility isn't it?

Answer 3

Look at how Jesus dealt with the sinners of the day. He ministered to them. If they rejected Him, then, that was that. If they repented and turned from thier sin, then, He blessed them.
Young people have been the victim of an educational system that completely did away with any moral values. They have been taught what you think is ok for you is ok. They are also the victims of a lazy church. We are all too caught up with our own lives and have let the world take our children from us. You have the opportunity to turn these young women around and they in turn can lead their children in the right direction. Maybe, you don't have children of your own, so you would have time for these God has sent your way. I work with a lady in the juvenile center who has not been married nor had children, yet she takes these kids under her wing and works herself tirelessly to try and set them in the right direction.
So, open your eyes, God has given you MANY CHILDREN!
God Bless and Grant You Wisdom in your Ministry!

Answer 4

First of all, I admire your admitting that this is something you need "purging" of. God knows your heart..He sees that you know this is harmful, holding in bitterness.

You have to be willing to give up the bitterness and anger and resentment, that is the first thing. You have to be very honest. Are you really willing to let it go?

Pray to God to replace this bitterness and hurt with love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and humility. Don't do it just once. Day after day, if you need to.

The thing I've noticed about surrender is that you don't do it just once. Sometimes you have to do it over and over again...each time the feeling invades. When it does, immediately take that thought of anger or resentment to Jesus Christ. The bible says, "take every thought captive to Christ". He will free you. We are more than conquerors because of Him.

I want to say that bitterness is something like acid, it only destroys the container that it's in....and at this point, it is you. I think bitterness is something satan loves to see us hang onto..it truly can poison us if we let it.

In Jesus name, I ask that God release you from this bondage.

Answer 5

To forgive means to let everything go. Also, in your case, think about the Bible verses: "Only by pride cometh contention." Maybe you should ask for forgiveness too! It'll go a long way for your credibility. Also, think about this verse: "let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Make this right with those you have offended already as soon as possible, and determine that you will have a better attitude from here on out! :)

Answer 6

YES I HAVE HAD THOSE FEELINGS IN THE VERY DISTANT PAST. THERE ARE TWO WAYS OF DEALING WITH THIS. HEARTFELT SINCERE REPENTANCE, WITH PRAYER AND
1jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Mt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mt 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Answer 7

realize that God has a plan for you wether it includes children or not. help out at shelters and organizations that help these young mothers and forgive yourself. in your prayers remember to ask our sweet Lord and Savior to soften your heart and help you to become more compassionate and considerate. sometimes it is hard to not judge and to be respectful to all. remember that being this way is only serving satan and we, as christians cannot serve 2 masters and therefore must strive to be kindhearted and serve only our Lord. i will say a quick prayer for you. the first hurdles have already been tackled as you have realized your weakness and want to change it...good job!!! now keep moving forward!

Answer 8

I think for you, it would be to volunteer your time to help with a creche or a facility which needs volunteers to help young mothers. Not to punish you. So that you may share in the joy of those that have been blessed. So that you may receive a little of the grace you thought you were denied. You just have to approach it from another angle.

Answer 9

Well, being bitter and angry is a choice. So Stop it. Choose not to be that way and Gods grace will help you. Goo Luck

Answer 10

To find a trustful soul who will let you vent. We need to vent anger, if not it turns into resentment and than rage. I know that to be true for me. I lived in a world of anger and lust until God came and helped. He put trusting souls to help me. It worked and is working after 22 years. I need to face it and let it go.
Peace and Love