Weekly Thought – May 27, 2025
Fred grew up facing numerous difficulties, but lived with the maxim: “You can either get bitter or better.” He didn’t adopt an artificial sugar-coated attitude. He liked to say he was not an optimist, nor a pessimist, but a realist.
Avoiding A Bitter Taste
The little black book some use as a “get-even-with” list is nothing more than a poison package. Scripture says “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” Revenge has no place in the mature life… it is an acid that eats away at the inner being.
Some individuals are unfortunate enough to build their lives around a single hurtful episode, focusing on vengeance until it becomes a lifetime obsession. It makes the person mean-spirited, cynical, unhealthy, desperate, and joyless. And this person is certainly unpleasant to be around.
Avoiding bitterness when seriously hurt is difficult. Sometimes it is caused by an individual; sometimes it is a particular event or situation. We all know men and women still scarred by abuse, physical ailments, or emotional damage. These wake up each morning with the proverbial “chip on their shoulders.” On the other hand, there are many who live with grace and forgiveness. These can move on to maturity and health.
After speaking at a prayer breakfast in Wichita, KS an executive invited me to see a plant where 200 men and women with learning disabilities were employed. He was chairman of this company’s board and was insistent I travel to the plant with him. I must admit this activity wasn’t on my pre-planned itinerary.
I am so glad he invited me.
We arrived and I was told most of the employees were born with Down Syndrome. We toured and I asked him, “How often do you visit this location?” “Almost every day” was his response. It was clear the employees loved him as they greeted us with hugs and smiles. When we got toward the end a young woman enthusiastically greeted him with a bear hug. He turned to me and said, “Fred, I want you to meet our daughter.” I immediately knew this man could have chosen to become bitter, but he became better – and so did everyone around him.
This week carefully consider: 1) When have I chosen to become better, not bitter? 2) How can I be an influence for forgiveness? 3) Where have I experienced the grace of another?
Words of Wisdom: “Some individuals are unfortunate enough to build their lives around a single hurtful episode, focusing on vengeance until it becomes an obsession.”
Wisdom from the Word : “Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 NET Bible)