We think of attitudes as short-lived dispositions brought on by immediate or temporary circumstances.

We excuse bad behaviors by saying things like, “He’s just in a bad mood because he was not invited to the party.”

Most of the time, those bad attitudes and behaviors disappear after a day or two.

But when something gets “stuck in our craw” and we can’t stop thinking about it, a root of bitterness can take hold.

Bitterness is anger in search of justification.

It is vengeance that has never been satisfied.

It stems from a seed that was planted, perhaps long ago, from a very bad hurt or injustice.

The recipient of the hurt cannot “get over it” and says to him or herself, “I will never forgive what was done to me.”

The result of harboring bitterness is that it can cause a person to be critical, negative, unhappy, and consequently not have many friends.

Bitterness is like someone who thinks they are dying of cancer but won’t go to a doctor for fear that the doctor might tell them it’s just a stomach-ache.

The irony of bitterness is that it is a self-inflicting wound that can end up doing more damage than what caused the bitterness in the first place.

But there is a cure for bitterness.

It is called forgiveness.

Romans 12:19 in the Bible says, “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

When you hold onto anger-seeking justification you get trapped in a vicious cycle that never gets satisfied.

Fighting for a just cause does not lead to bitterness.

But personal vendettas are when you try to become judge, jury, and executioner!

Begin by asking God’s forgiveness for the things you have done wrong.

Then make the Lord’s Prayer personal:

“Forgive me my trespasses in the same way that I forgive those who trespass against me.”

Next: Don’t be fooled.

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.