BITTERNESS

It’s easy to be bitter when you’re sure you’re in the right,
And wrongs in mem’ry suffered still invade each sleepless night.

You’ll hear some say, "Get Even! You have suffered much too long!
You must repay that scoundrel! What he did to you was wrong!"

The more you think about it, then the more it eats at you.
It takes away your joy – and intrudes in all you do.

Your burning thirst for vengeance will just bring you much more pain;
And like a cancer growing, your good health you can’t regain.

But Jesus wants to help you to replace the joy you’ve lost,
And trying to get even is not ever worth the cost.

The person who has harmed you needs much prayer for heart that’s new,
And when you pray for others you will get a blessing too.

So put away your bitterness, and let your heart forgive,
Then you will know God’s peace, and you will truly start to live.

By Betty Jo Mings