Battling with Bitterness

Matthew 26:52: All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

That sword takes many forms in a person's life. The one I've seen inflict the most wounds goes by several names. Judgement, Bitterness, Hatred, Spite, and Revenge among others. I have said before that I try very hard not to hate things or people, that no one deserves to die and that everyone is worthy of love. I walk that path because I have seen firsthand what kind of damage Hatred inflicts upon people.

People that suffer bitterness and abuse in their own lives feel compelled, whether through revenge, a defense mechanism or perceived justification, to inflict it on others. I've been on both ends of it. But what do we get when he act upon this hatred? When we retaliate or lash out from spite or stress? A few fleeting seconds of catharsis that just plant more seeds. From that you get more bitterness, more hatred, and more spite. It passes on like a virus, infecting everyone it comes in contact with and mutating them into twisted perversions.

It's just not worth it. It never is. I've seen marriages die and friendships ruined from these petulant and childish acts. As if their pride is more important than everything they've lost. And in moments of weakness, I too have acted in this way.

So what are we to do?

Pride is the hammer that forges this wretched weapon. To avoid such damaging blows or repair wounds already inflicted, we must cast aside our Pride. It is a task easier said than done; for in this world, all that a man or woman does links back to pride. And man alone cannot quell Pride.

Jesus Christ alone can dispel it. He replaces man's Pride with his unquenchable love. Love that stands against fire and flood. Love that I began to understand only recently. Love not just for yourself and your brother, but for your enemy as well. Through this love, I was able to make an act of peace towards one who had wronged me time and time again, and through it, you can as well.

No, they don't deserve it. No, they won't change overnight. Yes, they might even wrong you again after you show it. But seek this love anyway. Not for their benefit, but for your own. Because even if they never change, even if the sword of Hatred strikes again and again until the end of time, you can still be healed yourself.

Just like I was. Seek the love of Christ. For He IS Love.