If we keep pouring liquid into a bottle, eventually it’s going to start overflowing. The same is true in our lives. If we keep adding things that’ve hurt us, anger that we feel, words that have been spoken and disappointments then eventually it’s going to spill out. And as it’s a whole load of negative things that have been poured in then it’s going to be negative things that flow out. Jesus said: ‘The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.’ When our heart is being filled with these negative emotions, because we never let them go or healthily express them, then bitterness and resentment start to build and take root. Doctors say that resentment can affect our physical health. It can also preoccupy our mind, drain our energy, prevent us from being creative, ruin our relationships and stop us being effective in God’s kingdom. It even damages our relationship with God. Holding onto anger, resentment and bitterness basically affects every part of our lives. But Jesus said, ‘If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him – work it out between the two of you’ (Matthew 18:15 MSG). Jesus knew that we need to sort out conflicts, let go of our anger and avoid a negative overflow. Things need to be faced and resolved so that our heart isn’t full of negativity. Instead, we need to be pouring in the positives, especially God’s joy and peace, so that we ‘may overflow with hope’ (Romans 15:13 NIV).
What now?
Have a think about those things you regret saying or doing when you were angry. Honestly ask yourself if they happened because you were holding on to bitterness in your heart. Ask God to remove any bitterness and help you fill your heart with positive feelings.