Surviving Bad Attitudes-Chapter 3-Staying Sweet In A Bitter World (Part 2)

Here's what the Bible tells us about bitterness:

Hebrews 12:15 says, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled..."

Isaiah 5:10 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Ephesians 4:31 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice..."

Bitterness can easily overtake you if you don't put up a strong defense against it. So what can you do to stay sweet when you are attacked by someone with a bad attitude?

(1) Maintain your integrity. Don't stoop to their level. Yes, you may have to defend yourself and yes, you may feel like a sinking ship, but maintain the course of integrity. God will vindicate you if not in this life in the world to come. Being falsely accused or verbally attack does hurt as much as sticks and stones, but getting in a shouting match doesn't help either. Think about all that Jesus endured and yet kept his integrity. Try to do the same.

(2) Don't play dead. What do I mean by that statement? Don't allow yourself to become somebody's doormat. Turning the other cheek doesn't mean that you don't deserve respect or that you have to take junk. When Christ saved you He made you a King's Kid. You are a joint heir with Him and a part of His family. If somebody continues a tirade against you ask God to help to stop it with physical violence. Ask God to reveal the truth. Speak the name of Jesus and believe that He will lock the jaws of the lion (the devil) and put an end to the attack.

(3) Walk away. People with bad attitudes want to argue, fuss, and fight. You give them an inch and they will take 10 miles. The best thing you can do is just walk away. Don't give them an audience if all they want to do is fuss or complain. Some will take that as an incentive to increase their attacks, but others will see through them and you will be vindicated. Just walk away and let them make a fool out of themselves. Don't get infected by their attitude.

Have I been a victim to bitterness? Yes, I have. It's not an easy place to get out of once you go there. My saving grace was a loving God who came to me before I was consumed with it and set me free. If you let Him He can do the same for you.