Bitterness and Worship

In case you haven't figured it out yet, these two things cannot coexist and still bring glory to God.

And yet, week in and week out I watch some of our own people struggle with this very issue. We've all been hurt before, but scripture is VERY CLEAR on what we are to do with those who sin against us - let's face it, that's what it really is!

I'm preaching with our youth director, Chris B, this weekend and the topic is bitterness. As I did the research, study, word study and so on, one thing kept coming back to me. It was the words of that long haired hippee dude we follow...you know, J.C.

He was teaching this huge crowd about prayer and gave a sample of what prayer should be like. He could have said anything fluffy, spiritual, or whatever. But His words were very simple and direct, especially in one particular area. Look at what he had to say in Matthew 6:12, and tell me that Jesus doesn't give us clear direction on one of the main causes of bitterness. Forgiveness is not an optional practice in our lives. If we are going to call ourselves Christians and let God use our lives as examples to point others to Jesus, then we have no choice but obedience.

• I'm sorry they hurt you so bad. You don't get the choice to hold onto that hurt anymore if you're a Christ follower. "Forgive as Christ forgave" means we LET IT GO and LOVE.
• I've been seriously, seriously hurt by many people - both outside and INSIDE the church. You know what I've found? The ones inside hurt me the MOST! LET IT GO and LOVE.
• Stop making excuses as to why you should be allowed to hold on to the pain. You have no excuses if you are truly a Christ follower.
• You can't TRULY WORSHIP God and still hold bitterness in your heart.
• You CANNOT TRULY WORSHIP God and still HOLD BITTERNESS in your heart. You are a hypocrite and God will NOT accept your worship.

Truly worship God with ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength. That all has to come from a place of COMPLETE SURRENDER. Have you done that yet? Have you forgiven others, just as Christ forgave you? (Remember - he throws our sins into the deepest part of the sea, never to be seen or heard from again.)

See ya in church...