![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/102991_969c6dd439394eefbc50043f608c875b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_463,h_286,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/102991_969c6dd439394eefbc50043f608c875b~mv2.jpg)
As we continue on our journey of learning more about forgiveness, I want to ask a question…did you know that harboring bitterness in your heart is sinful?
“For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
--Acts 8:23 (NLT)
That’s right, anytime we hold malice, hate, or a lack of forgiveness against someone who has hurt or wronged us; we risk the seeds of bitterness growing in our hearts. If left unresolved we will eventually carry with us a negative, critical, and unforgiving spirit. Our actions and thoughts will be tainted with the sour taste of our unresolved issues, causing us to lash out at times and act irrationally about things that don’t deserve such a response.
So yes, bitterness is sinful…and if we know anything about sin…we know that it separates and breaks our fellowship with God. Within this separation we won’t experience all that God has to offer us, and even worse, we’ll feel alone. This is the power of sin. It isolates, it confuses, it taints, and it destroys; and the boat that keeps sin afloat…is you. It’s your choice.
Scripture is clear about what God wants:
“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.”
--Matthew 5:23-24 (MSG)
So you see, there is an order to things here. If we want our relationship with God to deepen and grow more intimate, we can’t have anything holding us back. God deserves our undivided attention and worship, and God desires for our hearts to be joyful within ourselves and with others. We can’t have joy if we’re breaking under the pressure of bitterness. And let me tell you, there is no grievance we have with anyone, that’s worth sacrificing our closeness with Jesus and the blessings He has in store for our lives.