If your children have a problem with anger or bitterness, as someone who loves them you would do well to help them face the problem, and deal with it.
It is unwise to even think of having them forget about it. They must face it, and deal with it. Or else it could poison their relationships — not only with you but with others.
To root out bitterness is crucial to healthy emotions and thought processes:
Heb 12:15
15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;
(NAS, springing up changed to springs up and)
Eph 4:26
26 Be angry, and do not sin: don't let the sun go down upon your wrath:
(KJVu)
Col 3:8
8 put off all these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
(KJV to the : then NIV. The words filthy language in other versions: filthy communication – KJV; shameful speaking – ASV; abusive speech – NAS. All have mouth for NIV's lips.)
Col 3:10
and put on the new man...
(my wording)
and have put on the new man...
(The 4)Col 3:12b
12 put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
(NAS)
Prov 22:24
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you should not go:
(KJVu)
24 Do not associate with a man {given} to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man,
(NAS)
Matt 10:37
37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
(NAS, Messiah speaking)
John 13:34
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
(KJVu)
Notes:
"The 4" refers to the ASV, KJV, NAS, and NIV.
"KJVu" means the KJV with updated English (by me, S.D.).
Page Title: An open letter to parents regarding problem bitterness and anger
Last modified: 07/11/99 07:14 AM