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Understanding Bitterness and Steps to Freedom

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Understanding Bitterness and Steps to Freedom
Angela Tanner
Liberty University
Abstract
Bitterness can causes many to be unable to forgive leading to anger, guilt and shame that keeps the soul sick and unable to move forward, because ‘the heart knows its own bitterness’ (Prov. 14:10). Knowing what bitterness is to begin with takes power from the enemy and starts the process of overcoming bitterness. Releasing the bitterness is possible toward self, God and others. To achieve this release (freedom) of bitterness includes discovering the root of it by working through blockages and dealing with self and God so the cancer and poison of the soul (Unforgiveness) can be eradicated from the soul and forgiveness can be achieved and received. With understanding and support, many can overcome these obstacles to overcome their bitterness leading to spiritual freedom so moving forward is possible.

Bitterness In English, the concept of bitterness comes from the idea of something that has a sharp or unpleasant taste. We speak of something being bitter if it causes grief or is hard to bear; "a bitter defeat", "bitter failure". We also speak of a "bitter loss" when someone's death has caused great grief. Bitterness in speaking of personal experience is when something was unpleasant, undesirable, or when something bad was unexpected.
Bitterness can lead to many to become ‘stuck’ into a trap that keeps them from moving forward in their lives. Abuse is a root that runs deep in bitterness. Many become rebellious or accommodating to the abusers thinking that someday things may change. Bitterness is one of the most crushing mental problems in a person's life. When a Christian is bitter, there is a loss of close fellowship with the Lord and a hindrance in one's relationships across the board. Bitterness causes a loss of many of the blessings of the normal Christian life,

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