Contagion of Bitterness: How One Embittered Mind Can Influence Many

Understanding Bitterness

Bitterness is a deep-seated anger, hatred, or resentment towards someone or something that may have mistreated us or taken away our real or unreal rights. It is an emotional response to unresolved conflicts. 

This post will outline how bitterness can spread like a contagion. A bitter mindset can taint others, causing resentment, too.

Emittered Defined

Embittered means exciting someone with bitter feelings. When someone is embittered, they are consistently bitter, which means they will express bitterness on various matters. Their disposition is in a continual state of bitterness. 

• Hebrews 12:15 looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you , and thereby many be defiled;

The Contagion of Bitterness

• Acts 14:1-2 Now in Iconium Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke in such a way [with such power and boldness] that a large number of Jews as well as Greeks believed [and confidently accepted Jesus as Savior]; 2but the unbelieving Jews [who rejected Jesus as Messiah] stirred up and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the believers.

Contagion can be defined in a few ways. It can refer to the rapid spread of an idea, emotion, or influence that can have a corrupting effect when transmitted from person to person. This is known as emotional contagion. Contagions can also be compared to biological viruses that can transfer from one individual to another.

A contagion is a disease or contamination that spreads through close contact. In the Book of Acts, we learn that the Gentiles, who were supposed to receive the gospel, were embittered by the unbelieving Jews, whose goal was to hinder their salvation. Like a contagion, when we are in close contact or communicate with someone with an embittered mindset, it can quickly transfer and provoke bitter feelings in our minds.

We are a part of God’s Network

As children of God, we are like devices connected to a computer network. Our power source, identity, and calling come from God (the mainframe). If we join a device (computer) infected by a contagion or a virus, it can cause great damage to our minds. In short, any embittered mind can affect us and cause us to feel the same bitterness, hatred, or anger it feels. It’s an emotional and spiritual contagion that will disconnect us from the mind of Christ.

We see this example in the book of Acts, where a group of people were stirred up to become embittered in their minds. There are a lot of signs that point to bitterness in the heart. We will look at a few things that happen when we become infected by bitterness.

Five signs of an embittered mind: 

1. Embittered minds speak recklessly.

2. An embittered mind causes us to become senseless and spiritually ignorant.

3. Idolatry and false god worship embitters the mind.

4. People with an embittered mind can become angry, quarrelsome, and contentious.

5. People with an embittered mind will try to provoke bitterness in others. 

How to overcome bitterness: 

I understand that bitterness can slowly take hold of us. Our adversaries may manipulate others to provoke these bitter emotions within us. This is why the scriptures warn us that our hearts are deceitful and wicked. Only God truly understands our hearts and can uncover the deep-seated bitterness that is polluting many. To confront bitterness, I have taken the following steps:

1. Forgiveness (Bitterness starts with unforgiveness, which is why we are admonished to forgive quickly)
   • Ephesians 4:32 AMP Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
   • Matthew 6:15 AMP But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.

2. Repentance (Repentance is essential; once we confess our sin of bitterness, we must immediately repent to remove the offense and close the open door Satan is using). 
   • Acts 8:22 So repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
   • Matthew 5:4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. [Is 61:2]
   • Luke 13:3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.

These actionable steps mark the beginning of the process to eliminate the bitterness in your heart, allowing you to gain clarity and identify your true enemy.

I encourage you to protect your heart from bitterness as we journey through life. Bitterness is meant to separate you from the mind of Christ and hinder you from following God’s will. I invite you to share your experiences or opinions on dealing with bitterness and how you overcame it. Feel free to comment below!

God Bless! 

Read more about how spiritual contagions can influence your mind in my book “God’s Celestial Network.”

To learn more about bitterness, read my article “Cultivating Bitterness.”

Shop my latest books & publications here: Remnant Media Publications.