The Book of Ephesians | Message 7: I am Forgiven | Pastor Chad Dingess | 7/16/2023

Ephesians 4: 25-32 (NIV)
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. ²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BITTER PEOPLE

1. Bitter people are archeologists.
2. Bitter people remember intricate details because they keep a record of wrongs.
3. Bitter people are triggered less by the offense and more by their love for the offender.
4. Bitter people are prone to be self-righteous since they are the perceived victim.

FIVE WAYS PEOPLE BECOME BITTER

1. You wrongly think that they have sinned against you.
2. You have unreasonable and/or unspoken expectations that are unmet.
3. They rebuked you, and you were hard-hearted, and you were hurt, so you’re bitter against them.
4. You are jealous of them.
5. YOU HAVE BEEN SINNED AGAINST

SIX COMMANDS FOR BITTER BELIEVERS

1. WATCH YOUR GOSSIP
2. WATCH YOUR EMOTIONS
3. WATCH YOUR CLOCK
4. WATCH YOUR ENEMY
5. WATCH YOUR HANDS
6. WATCH YOUR MOUTH

DIG UP THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

FORGIVEN PEOPLE FORGIVE