“Frustrated and sick.”
—Peter Bailey’s description of Mr. Potter
Frustration can find its way into human emotion and out through our actions all too easily. When we cannot fix something, are prevented from bringing a solution to a problem, or hindered by another person from accomplishing a goal, it can frustrate us and leave us feeling negative. When extended feelings of frustration are allowed to find a home in our souls, the next step can be bitterness—unresolved long term anger and unforgivness. The Bible refers to bitterness as spiritual poison, because it seeks to devour the soul, twists genuine faith, and damage relationships. Bitterness can cause a person to self-slaughter. So, we must run from it.
In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George’s father, Peter, tries to explain the character and disposition of Mr. Potter. Peter sees Potter as “frustrated and sick. Sick in his mind, sick in his soul.” Mr. Potter is enslaved to the bitterness within him and he blames everyone else for his misery. Maybe it’s why he tries to accrue more and more; a way to satisfy his frustration.
Most of us can confess we have run across a few long-term bitter people. They are angry, resentful, cynical, filled with past hurts or perceived injustices, and always a victim. A bitter person struggles to find any sense of joy in life. I am so grateful Jesus came to deliver people from bitterness through forgiveness, love, and grace. We certainly cannot fix a bitter soul; only medicate one.
The transforming work of the Spirit brings the power for us to forgive those who have wronged us, love those who are unloving to us, and pray for them all to know Jesus. We do not have to live in bitterness, because the Spirit liberates us when we follow Christ’s example. When you are feeling frustrated, please stop and pray. Give what is bothering you to the Lord and leave it with him. Then, you can walk and even run in the opposite direction from bitterness.
1 Samuel 30:6 NLT “David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit to teach us how to deal with deep frustration or bitterness. Help us to embrace humility and forgive those who have wronged us or treated us unjustly. We do not want to hold onto anything that would plant a seed of bitterness in our souls. Fill us with the light of Truth and we will shine with joy unspeakable and full of glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.