Lesson/Week 2 Bible Study 2010

By Anonymous -
Lesson/Week Two
Maybe by now you’re thinking, are we really going to study bitterness for four weeks? Man I am tired of this already! Imagine bitterness dwelling in your heart for years… Ladies, this is something that I seriously struggle with. I have been able to say, “I forgive you.” But my heart is not letting go. That is the motivation behind doing this study, to really see bitterness for what it is. Then to really see what forgiveness is and to surrender myself and for you to surrender yourself to true forgiveness and freedom from this bitterness.

Bitterness is a noun, a state of being bitter. The root word, bitter is an adjective. Adjectives tell how we do something (bitter); stinging, cutting, spiteful, rigorous; acrid, unpalatable. These are all unpleasant descriptive words.

Quotes and Bible Reading
(Please remember to read in context the verses below)

“Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.” -Harry Emerson Fosdick (American Clergyman 1878 – 1969)

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. John 4:8 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. John 4:16

“I know now that patriotism is not enough; I must have no hatred and bitterness toward anyone.” –Edith Cavell (British Nurse & Humanitarian 1865-1915)

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

“Reconciliation is more beautiful than victory.”- Violeta Barrios de Chamorro

Memory Verses: James 2:12-13
I Thess. 5:6, 8, 11, 13, 15-17, 22
James 1:19, 26, 2:18, 3:10, 4:10, 12, 5:13

What Others Are Saying
http://www.elisabethelliot.org/newsletters/2000-07-08.pdf
http://www.elisabethelliot.org/newsletters/2000-11-12.pdf

Journaling and Prayer
Take time to write down what God is saying to you about your life, heart and bitterness through His word. Record how He answers your prayers too. Then contact your trusted friend and discuss it and pray together.

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