Monday, February 21, 2011

The Levels of Bitterness

We saw in our last posting that Ephesians 4:31 tells us to "put away" or abandon all resentment. We also stated that the Apostle Paul listed 6 levels of resentment that grow like building blocks. The first 3 levels are all inward while the last 3 levels are all outward. In the last post we examined level #1 which was bitterness. Today we see the remaining levels.

Level #1 - BITTERNESS

Level #2 - WRATH - This is a hot anger or passion that you feel inwardly that comes and often leaves very quickly. And if you don't "put away" resentment at this level it moves on to level 3.

Level #3 - ANGER - This is an internal smoldering or a deep, subtle feeling. It is the strongest of all inner passions. Now, instead of a passing passion, it becomes an abiding condition of the mind. You can't stop thinking about how much that person has hurt you and your thoughts are almost always centered on revenge. If you don't "put away" resentment at this level it moves on to level 4 which now becomes outward in nature.

Level #4 - CLAMOR - This word speaks of a shout or an outcry. Now you have public outbursts against that individual that are seen by others. This is illustrated by the Pharisees and Sadducee's "clamor" seen in Acts 23:9. If you don't "put away" resentment at this level it moves on to level 5.

Level #5 - SLANDER - This is speech made with the intent to injure. Now we say hurtful things to or about the person you resent. This word is also translated "railing" and describes words said to Jesus while He was on the cross. If you don't "put away" resentment at this level it will move on the 6th and final level.

Level #6 - MALICE - This is a general term for vicious behavior. At this level you do evil things to the person that you never thought you had the capability of doing.

But once you have "put away" resentment, you must also replace it with something else. We will talk about that in my next post.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

No comments: