All of us get angry.  Anger is the emotional reaction that flows from the obstruction of our will. Just as we feel pain when we jam our toe against a wall, we feel anger when our will is obstructed.  Anger is not a sin, but provides plenty of emotional fuel for temptation.

And that temptation is bitterness.  Bitterness is the constipation of anger.  Bitterness sits in our heart with no place to go and it saps our energy.  But what is the source of bitterness?

Just write this sentence and fill in the blank: “I am a good __________, therefore I deserve ____________.”

I am a good husband, therefore I deserve more respect from my wife.

I am a good wife, therefore I deserve more romantic attention from my husband.

I am a good employee, therefore I deserve a raise.

I am a good pastor, therefore I deserve a bigger church.

I am a good Christian, therefore I deserve to be blessed by God.

The list could go on and on.  And this sentence is the simple fuel that drives our anger and bitterness.  But the gospel turns this upside down.  We get a different sentence, and an additional, happier sentence:

“I am a failed ____________, therefore I deserve misery, condemnation, and hell.  But God, in His mercy gave misery, condemnation, and hell to Jesus, so that I now receive _______________ (fill in all of your good gifts).

For in bitterness, we simply don’t grasp what we truly deserve.  But the gospel rearranges our thinking.  And in this gospel we find the balm for every hurt,  every rejection.  And not only do we receive resources for healing, we possess resources TO HEAL; extending mercy to the merciless, accepting those who reject, blessing to those who curse.  For that is how God, in Christ, dealt with us.