Bitterness

A man named Simon had become a believer and was baptized by Philip and began following him. Peter & John heard that many had believed and came to lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon offered them money for that kind of power!

Peter strongly rebuked him and told him, “I see that you have the gall of bitterness and are bound by iniquity.”

Have you ever met someone who has given themselves over to bitterness? They think they can hide it—but it oozes out of them. I love that the King James Version says, “gall of bitterness” because that’s so descriptive. Gall is bile which indicates someone is eaten up with bitterness—they’re living in the vomit of bitterness.  How did they get there? You don’t just become bitter. It’s a progression. First, they’ve become angry or offended. And they stew on that for a long time. Instead of confession or repentance, they give in to their emotions and nurse that wound. Over time, their anger or offense turns into bitterness. This progression becomes a stronghold. 

Peter saw Simon’s bitterness. It was evident. After Peter strongly rebuked him, Simon asked Peter to pray for him. He wanted deliverance. 

You have to be delivered of bitterness by confession and repentance—and then forsaking anger and offenses. You may have to forgive over and over. Don’t get eaten up with the gall of bitterness.  

Break that stronghold!