Bitterness is easy. All it takes is one harsh word, one betrayal, one political argument at the dinner table — and suddenly, the relationship is fractured. Our culture has normalized this. Cancel someone, cut them off, and move on. I saw a social post recently where someone said they had cut off family because of their views on climate change, politics, and religion. That kind of thinking is not rare. But is it Christlike?
The call of Jesus runs the opposite direction. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Paul urged, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). And the Hebrew writer reminds us, “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Jesus disagreed with many people. He challenged the Pharisees, overturned tables in the temple, and exposed hypocrisy. But He never stopped loving. Even from the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Bitterness grows when we equate disagreement with hate. That is the trap of our times. But the gospel calls us to something better: to love when it’s not returned, to bless when we are insulted, and to keep relationships open when the world says, “cut them off.”
How do we do this?
Choose humility. Pride fuels bitterness. Humility opens the door to forgiveness (Philippians 2:3–5).
Pray for those who oppose you. Jesus said to pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Prayer reshapes your heart.
Guard your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns about a root of bitterness that can grow and defile many. Watch what you let take root.
Focus on Christ’s example. He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). His Spirit equips us to live differently.
Our world is divided enough. The church must be a different kind of community — one that refuses to cancel, one that seeks peace, and one that shines the light of Christ even in conflict.
Bitterness destroys. Peace builds. And Jesus has called us to be people of peace.
