I do a fairly good job of remembering people’s names. At least I try hard. But sometimes I really can’t get the name in my mind.

It’s usually because the person is named something that doesn’t seem to fit. I see the person one way and their name is something else.

There is something that really is named right–it’s bitterness.

Think with me about bitterness. That’s a word that describes a strong and unpleasant flavor, exactly the opposite of sweet. Paul told the church at Ephesus to “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). He challenged the church to exchange all of the unpleasant flavors with that which is sweet. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Ephesians 4: 25-32 is a great paragraph about getting rid of those feelings and actions that harm and replacing them with those words and actions that are life-giving.

As I look at this passage, this is what I see.

First, bitterness is named correctly. Let yourself become bitter toward others and you will have the bitter taste in your own mouth. The only way you get rid of the taste is to get rid of the bitterness.

Most of the time, our bitterness toward others hurts us more than whoever hurt us. Bitterness hurts twice–when you are mistreated and when you are bitter about your treatment. It’s a double whammy.

Second, you can have bitterness or peace. You can’t have both.

It’s a simple matter of choice. Which do you want the most?

Third, our bitterness and lack of forgiveness grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit is a gentle and sensitive Spirit. Our pride and rebellion grieve Him.

Finally, God has a wonderful remedy for the bitter taste in our souls. It is God’s forgiveness of us and our forgiveness of others.

We all have a choice. You can live with or without that bitter, unpleasant taste. We get to decide.

There’s only one choice that wise people make.

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