Anger and bitterness

As I was reading this passage, I was struck by Joab’s words.

“Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness?” (2 Samuel 2:26)

On Sunday, I gave a message about holding on to anger in our lives (among other things), and when I read Abner’s words, I thought about that message again.

Joab had good reason to be angry. Twelve of David’s men were killed, and Abner himself killed Joab’s brother. Because of that, Joab thought to kill Abner and all his men.

But when he heard Abner’s words of wisdom, he stopped and returned home.

How often do we hold on to anger in our lives? We may have a good reason for our anger, but we need to let it go.

In Joab’s case, he never truly let go of his anger. He later killed Abner, and for that crime (among others), he himself was killed.

In the same way, if we hold on to anger and bitterness, it will lead us to a bitter end. That anger and bitterness will bind us up, and not only affect our relationships, but our health as well. (Anger and bitterness will lead to stress, after all).

So if you are holding to anger or bitterness in your life, turn to Jesus. Ask for his help to deal with these things. He can understand you.

After all, people hated him so much, they killed him. But on the cross, he prayed, “Father forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Are you struggling with anger and bitterness? Remember these words:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)