Anger, Hatred and Bitterness

When you have been hurt and negative words have been used to describe you, it is natural to hate. It is common to respond with hatred towards those who said ugly words to you and those who believe them or even spread those rumours about you.

When you feel you have been unfairly judged or misunderstood. When no one afforded you a chance to give your side of the story, anger brews and bitterness engulfs you. There could be various other things which happened (or still happening) from the time of your separation to court processes and eventually divorce. Hatred, anger and bitterness are natural responses or reactions for human beings when hurt.

Having these feelings doesn’t make you a mean or unholy person. What you do about these feelings is a different issue. The Bible tells us “in your anger, do not sin” - Ephesians 4:26 and in Galatians 5:22&23 it says “The Holy Spirit produces………..self control”.

Advice:

1. Don’t stay in the pain or the anger. Be intentional about moving away from pain, lest it becomes your location and identity - “that angry woman”
2. Don’t allow hatred to control you. Choose forgiveness over hate. It will benefit you more than the person or people who caused you pain.
3. Prolonged anger and confessed hatred breeds resentment and bitterness. It will also give the enemy an opportunity.
4. Resist the temptation to vindicate yourself.

Prayer tip:

1. It is only through the grace of God that you can let go of pain and anger. Ask Him for such grace and ability.
2. Pray specifically for God to untie the knots in your heart about the individuals concerned.
3. Surrender it all to God: the pain, anger, resentment and every feeling that is unpleasant.

Your healing is guaranteed when God is part of the journey.