The word “bitter” is defined in English as “angry, hurt or resentful because of a bad experience or unjust treatment.” The Greek word also carries the idea of “animosity, anger, harshness.” This is an emotion that all have experienced and one that feels so natural and justified in the moment. But, it is an emotion that must be controlled (and can be controlled).
Consider the directness and clarity of Scripture. “Let all bitterness…be put away from you” (Eph. 4:31). How much? All! “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled” (Heb. 12:15). Bitterness causes “trouble” and can lead to being “defiled” and coming short of God’s grace. Sounds serious!
How appropriate that something that tastes “bitter” is an unpleasantly sharp, pungent taste! Watch your attitude! Don’t let an unpleasantly sharp, pungent bitterness spring up in you! It may feel right in the moment, but it will bite in the end.