Category Archives: Anger

Things that Strengthened Our Marriage – Removing Pressure to Conform to My Schedule

When we had been married just over a year I learned a valuable lesson.   I was working at a church as a Youth Pastor and our home was about fifty yards away from the church.   Both of us were working … Continue reading

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Mistakes I Made in My Marriage – Being Slow to Initiate Reconciliation

I had ordered some material that was important to me and had waited for six weeks for it to arrive.    Finally it came in the mail and I placed it on the piano in the living room to go through … Continue reading

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Complaining Church Members

As a boy that grew up attending church services regularly the area that hurt me the most was hearing harsh comments directed at our pastor in business meetings.   It didn’t happen every time, but it did occur too often. I … Continue reading

Posted in Affirmation, Anger, arguing, Bitterness, Children, church, Complaining, confidentiality, conflict, Criticism, disagreements, familiy issues, family | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Complaining – a Serious Matter

Almost twenty years ago we had a well-known preacher to speak in our church.    He was not only an effective preacher, but also a gifted and prolific author.   In the foyer a table was set up displaying many of his … Continue reading

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Complaining, Criticism, Discouragement, Family Issues, Gratitude | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Overcome a Bitter Spirit

How does a person know they are bitter?    Most people do not think they are because they call it other names – disappointed, hurt, unmet expectations.   An operational definition I use for bitterness is “harbored hurt”.   If not dealt with … Continue reading

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Compassion, Criticism, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Friends, Happiness, Humility, Joy, Leadership, Love, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Revival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Destruction of a Bitter Life

When I was a Youth Pastor I had two parents of young people in our ministry that were negative, cynical, sarcastic and just generally unpleasant to be around.   They kept score (in great detail) of how people had done them … Continue reading

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Bitterness Destroys Families

I have counseled hundreds of couples regarding problems in their marriages.   Without question the number one issue over all others at the root of their difficulties is bitterness.    It isn’t even close to other primary causes (finances, in-law conflicts, sexual … Continue reading

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Bitterness Destroys Friendships

Years ago I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time.    While we were catching up on mutual high school classmates I brought up the name of someone with whom they were very close.    The reply was, “We … Continue reading

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Bitterness Destroys Churches

I have been a member of five churches in my life.     The best things that have ever happened to me have been through my affiliation with those different church families.    I am so grateful for all of my pastors and … Continue reading

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Bitterness, a Prelude to other Troubles

Have you ever sat in a restaurant while waiting for your meal and taken note of those around you?    I’m especially fascinated by the dynamic of couples and how they tend to change as they grow older.   You see it … Continue reading

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Criticism, Family Issues, Forgiveness, Revenge, Speech | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment