How to Avoid an Attitude of Bitterness

Let’s admit it: we all enjoy venting about our frustrations. We enjoy voicing our opinions and the ways people get on our nerves. And it makes sense that we get most frustrated with the people who we spend the most time with–our spouse and our kids.

And we think it’s not a big deal to vent. We think it’s not a big deal to share with our buddies how our wife has been nagging us all week long about chores or how our kids have been bothering us when we’re trying to just relax and watch the game. We don’t usually give a second thought to complaining about these small frustrations.

But here’s the hard truth: the more we talk about what annoys us and angers us and aggravates us, the more it will annoy and anger and aggravate us. In other words, if we continue to talk about how frustrated we are with our families, the more bitter our attitude will become.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” 

So the next time you feel ready to vent about your annoyances, we want to encourage you to think twice. Ask yourself if your words are “good for building up” or if they’re simply contributing to an attitude of bitterness.