Overcoming Bitterness- 1

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[0:44] We've been dealing with the past two services I've spoken about. Forgiveness. You see, you need forgiveness to live.

[0:58] If you don't have forgiveness, you are dying. Unforgiveness is poison. How can you be drinking poison and be walking around?

[1:10] Okay. You are not... Watch this. Read my lips. You are not okay if you have unforgiveness in your heart. You are not okay because no one was born offended.

[1:26] You are okay if you have hair. You are not okay if your face changes color and is looking green.

[1:37] You are not okay. Would you be okay? If my eyes turn yellow, am I okay? You see my eye red with...

[1:49] What is it called? That thing? That sickness. No, no. Somebody said it. Conjunctivitis.

[2:01] Thank you very much. I was trying to remember. I didn't say join this, okay? Not Apollo. Pastor Philip. It's... It's... It's conjunctivitis. Oh! Now, if my eye is very red, so...

[2:15] And I'm fine. I'm walking in town. I say, oh, what's wrong with you? I'm fine. No, no. Your eye... Sorry. Are your eyes okay? No, no. There's nothing wrong with me. You know I'm just lying. You're lying.

[2:25] If you have unforgiveness in your heart, you are not okay. Yes. Because you have drunk poison. You need some detoxification or something to rescue you.

[2:37] Unforgiveness is wicked. Because it affects the one who is carrying it. It's like cancer. Not the one who has offended. And it always doesn't end there.

[2:50] Now, offense... I discovered that there are a lot of people in prison because of offense. Not the offended, the government offended people. But they are offended. Because of their offense in their heart.

[3:04] See, when people are offended and hurt and become embittered and begrudged, they hurt people. And sometimes they don't care how far they go. That's why most people end in prison.

[3:16] I mean, you had people who... The other time, I think last year or so, this year, a certain gentleman having a problem with their ex-wife or so, decided to kill himself and the three children or something like that.

[3:29] Just to get back at the woman. Because he knows that if the children are dead, that's the biggest thing that will hurt him. You understand? So, offense can make you make some serious mistakes in life.

[3:48] And offense... Bitterness starts with offense. Okay? Now, watch this. Offense is a trap. It starts... Someone does something, you don't like it.

[3:58] The other time, Pastor, I was teaching and she said this about three years ago, I've not forgotten. About how offense is a choice. You can choose not to be offended. Someone can see you and say, As for this, your shoe is interesting.

[4:15] And you'll be laughing. You'll be going. Everything. The same shoe. The same shoe. The same person may see you another time and say that, As for this, your shoe is interesting.

[4:25] The same statement. But guess what? Before that person said it, The previous day, someone told you that these people have been laughing at your shoe. So now, his second saying, As for this, your shoe is interesting.

[4:38] It's different from the first one because you interpreted it differently. Then offense enters. So, offense is a choice.

[4:50] It depends on... I can say something to Pastor, It will offend her. And I say to someone else, It will offend the person. I can say, This wig is not good. It will offend. It's okay.

[5:04] What should I say? Shoe. Wig. Wig is the one that everybody likes. I don't think I'm safe using wig in this auditorium.

[5:16] Why else can I use... Quote. This... This quote. This suit is not good. You know, I can say that to Pastor Frank. This suit is not good. And he'll be okay. And I'll say that to Pastor...

[5:27] Pastor William. Pastor William will be offended. So, it's the same thing. But depending on who is interpreting what's being said. So when it comes to...

[5:38] It's gone... It's not... I'll be able to use yesterday to talk about everything. I'll continue. When it comes to actually how to overcome bitterness. I'm going to go deeper into that. But let's look at Luke chapter 17 verse 1.

[5:51] Luke chapter 17 verse 1. Then he said to the disciples... It's impossible that offenses should come.

[6:05] It's impossible that no offenses should come. But woe to him through whom they do come. It's impossible that offenses...

[6:17] It's impossible that no offenses should come. That means that offenses will always come. But woe to them. Now, the Greek word that translates as offense is trap. It's the trappings of the enemy.

[6:29] Now, we are in a season... And we are in a season of unusual harvest. A month of covenant opportunities. There are people who are just getting close to opportunities. And the enemy traps them and makes them miss.

[6:41] This man... This man was so crazy about you. He wanted to marry you. And one day, you're just going to eat. And he forgot his wallet. And he said... He said, can you pay?

[6:53] He said, ah... But you should have also brought money. You should have brought money. And you went to him very offended that this man took you out. Because that's how possibly your previous guys did.

[7:05] So, you thought this one is going to pull a fast one. And then you got offended. And now, Luke... It's your season of covenant marriage. But that offense spoiled the relationship. The devil traps you.

[7:18] Offense is a trap from the devil. There are many people who are ready... Or who are at the stage of being lifted in life. And being anointed more.

[7:28] And being used greatly by God. Until someone offends them. So, it's your turn to be promoted. Or some unique gifting to come upon you. For God to be using you in his house.

[7:40] Or using you in some strange ways. And someone in the team. Someone, a departmental member. Have you realized how easy it is to be offended by people who you serve under?

[7:53] Oh, I'm telling you. Many places. Assistant pastors easily get offended by head pastors. It's common.

[8:04] There are assistant departmental leaders who are offended in their departmental leaders. Or in the minister they report to. It does happen. So, when you report to someone.

[8:15] Or you are serving under someone. It doesn't take long you'll be offended. You can't be offended in the person. Or you have the situation where you can easily take offense. And then when they take offense.

[8:26] They begin to find other people who are also getting offended. And they begin to form a team. It's easy to be offended in an usher who is trying to help you to find a nice seat. So, the word of God can enter your spirit.

[8:37] And you are seated. They throw out the message. Because usher didn't give you the seats you wanted. Take it home where you sit. Sorry.

[8:52] Trivial things can rob us of our blessing. And then later we become a prayer project. When God wanted to help us. We chose to let the enemy trap us away.

[9:04] The devil is a liar. You say amen now. I said the devil is a liar. I said the devil is a liar. Jesus is Lord. So, you must be able to keep your eyes widely open.

[9:17] And know what the enemy is trying to use against you. Our offense works very well. Especially in the church setting for the devil. There are people.

[9:29] Brothers and sisters. In church. Who can't stand each other. Because this is going to run lying away. You see it's very easy to laugh people when they are absent.

[9:41] So, they come home. It's very easy to laugh people. You know, when somebody says, I love you. I love you. I love you. So, you go and spend three days with them. And don't flush your toilet.

[9:55] Sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Okay. I forgot about that. Please don't be offended. Okay. Or don't wash your bowls. Like some of us do.

[10:11] Go and live with them. You think they are your best friends. You go and live with them. Or you are asleep. And then they are snoring. Or they are asleep and you are snoring.

[10:22] You are snoring. You didn't know you were snoring. And the whole building was shaking. They wake up in the morning. They look at you. Let me tell you this story. I don't have time. But let me tell you this story. I heard a story about a gentleman in the village somewhere.

[10:35] You know, in Africa. Some village somewhere. And there was kind of mini famine. And this guy managed to get a bush meat. He set a trap and got some, you know, either rat or antelope.

[10:51] No rats. Sorry. What's happening to me today? Grass cat. Oh, but people eat rats. Epedezza, don't you? So sorry. Mr. Sahih, we're sorry.

[11:06] Okay. But people eat snakes. Pastor Paul Norty, my friend. He said when he went to Ghana. He went to eat dog kebab.

[11:18] So when he sees the dogs arrive. He said, you are looking at me. I'm a dog eater. Okay. But, but okay. So this mama needs to get some, some food. And he was, he was a bachelor.

[11:29] So he prepared his food and prepared some wonderful meal. It took him virtually half the day. And when he was ready to eat, it's, he prepared this. When he was ready to eat, his friend, a very good friend, just showed up.

[11:46] He said, hey, brother. Hey. And in, in that place, normally when you see a visitor or your friend comes, you are eating, it's, it's not catchy.

[11:56] It's not to invite the person to join you. And he invited the guy. But you see, he's a slow eater. And his friend is a fast eater. And the guy came and was eat.

[12:09] He joined him. He ate faster. He was eating. The food was virtuous. And this guy would not, see the problem, he would not be quiet and eat. He was keep talking and asking questions. Ah, you are good. Did you, what kind of vegetable did you eat?

[12:21] And the guy was fuming. He was fuming. And so, he asked the question, how did you get this grass cutter? Did you, did you shoot the grass cutter or it was caught by a trap?

[12:42] He looked at his face. He said, a building collapsed on it. He said, a building collapsed on it. So, so, it's very interesting how people coming around you can easily offend you.

[13:02] Because people are always people. Even sometimes your children. That four-year-old boy. That three-year-old girl. Can behave in such a way that you're really, you're really, you're really good.

[13:16] Fed up. So, human beings are like that. That's why when you are going to marry someone, don't be quick to marry the person for what you like about the person. Also, take notice of what you don't like about the person.

[13:29] God, that is what will actually affect you more than what you like. When people are tired of, with one another, guess what they say? I'm hard enough. I can't take this. I can't take this.

[13:40] But I thought you said you love me. You love this. You say, yeah, yeah, that's true. But this one. I love so many things about her. I love so many things about him. But this one, I can't stand. So, we should go our separate ways.

[13:53] So, it's very important to appreciate the fact that when people come around you, when you have relationships with people, there's the propensity or the possibility for a party to be offended.

[14:04] And particularly Christians in church. That is why Bible says that bear with one another. Bear with one another. Can we all say that together? Bear with one another.

[14:16] Listen, if you can't stand a fellow Christian, there is a question mark about your faith. There's a question mark about your faith. See, the reason why many don't enjoy answered prayers or supernatural miracles or the favor of God in some strange way, is not because the favor of God is not real.

[14:35] It's because the favor of God is not available. But it's because the condition of their heart or the grounds upon which they are operating is not compatible with the flow of God's favor.

[14:46] So, if I were you, I would choose that I would purge myself of any form of offense. I would purge myself of any form of offense so that I can actually enjoy the blessing of God upon my life.

[15:01] Say amen. Amen. When you don't deal with offense, then you become hurt. When offense, first of all, usually you get offended by something.

[15:13] And then when it's, we always seek redress. Okay. Or if it's not, or if it's not redressed, or if we don't feel that we have been well treated, that's the offense.

[15:29] Then what happens is that we get hurt and then we seek revenge. So, once you are hurt, you seek revenge. Sometimes you may not be able to slap the person, but the person is walking, which the high heel will just break.

[15:46] That's revenge for you. Watch this. The scriptures say in the book of Leviticus chapter 24 verse 19 and Exodus chapter 21 verse 23 to 25.

[15:57] The scriptures say that an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. That is the law. The law says that if you do something wrong, or if you take someone's eye, your eye must also go.

[16:10] Then Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 from verse 28, he began to tell them that it is said in the law.

[16:23] Jesus said that it is said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 28, it kept from 28 to 31, sorry, 41. He kept telling them that it is said in the law.

[16:35] If someone takes your eye, you do take your person's eye. If someone takes your tooth, take the person's tooth. And I said, but I say unto you, love your enemies.

[16:46] So, Jesus told them that if someone slaps you this way, he said, if someone slaps you on the right, turn the left. So, Jesus came to change the dynamics.

[16:57] Because, do you know why we go to court? We go to court to seek justice. Because someone has done something against you, and the person must pay for it, or the person must be brought to account. It's natural, it's human to seek redress or revenge.

[17:13] It's human. But, one wise man put it this way, he said that, do you know what bitterness is? Bitterness is unfulfilled revenge. Bitterness is unfulfilled revenge.

[17:29] There is this revenge in your heart which has not been fulfilled. So, it still turns into resentment. You are embittered. You see someone, and you see, it's very easy to be heavily embittered about someone.

[17:43] You once were very close to. Especially loved ones. Man and woman. When the man has chosen to go his way, or the woman has chosen to, now I'm tired.

[17:58] I can't be bothered about you. Particularly, many women get hurt about relationships. That is why I tell sisters and young ladies, don't be in a rush to enter a relationship with any man. And then when you enter into a relationship with a man, especially if you are young.

[18:12] No, when I say young, you are ready for marriage. Okay? I don't see, you don't have any business having a girlfriend or a boyfriend if you are not ready to marry. What's your problem? What are you looking for in that relationship?

[18:24] Tell me, what are you looking for? Oh, we're just friends. What do you mean? Don't you have friends? Oh, this one is a special one. What for? It's like when we were growing up. Someone took a donut from the ground and was caught.

[18:37] What are you doing with a donut? He said, oh no, I'm just cleaning it to throw it away. What do you mean? I remember when we were in secondary school, someone would go for a girlfriend.

[18:50] And he said, what do you need for her? What do you need with this girl? Or what do you need from this boy? He said, oh, we won't do anything. That's the normal language. We won't do anything. What do you mean? We are just friends.

[19:01] We just, we won't do anything. Okay. So you climb the tree and pluck that orange from the tree. Only to be holding it. Not to do anything with it. It takes more effort to even climb the tree to get one.

[19:14] Than it takes. By the time you hear that, it's... If you couldn't stop yourself from climbing the tree, I guarantee you, you can't stop yourself from eating it.

[19:26] Because that same desire that made you go for the thing is strong. Once the thing is in hand. But I'm going away. Let me just come back to what I'm saying.

[19:37] Young ladies, you can't... You stand the chance of being hurt. Because many times, most of the time, young ladies think men really love them. A man doesn't love anybody usually.

[19:49] You think he loves you.

[20:02] Not really. Even he thinks he loves you, he can't sleep. It's his hormones. It's his hormones. It's his hormones that is not making him sleep. It's not because you are so special.

[20:14] It's his hormones. He has seen something about you, cold body. I mean, you have something.

[20:27] I thought he said he loved me. Yeah. He also thought he loved. He did not realize that that is no love. What he had, what he wanted for you, it's no love.

[20:39] He said he loved me. Yeah, I'm going around. Small boy, you. You should do, do, do. That's okay. So, it's important.

[20:50] And what happens is that if offense is not dealt with and revenge, hearts come in and revenge comes in and revenge is not fulfilled, bitterness. And guess what?

[21:00] You become one bitter brother walking in town. One bitter woman walking in town. And the most unpleasant people to deal with are bitter people. You don't know when you will offend them.

[21:14] You cough. They can be offended. You cough again. They are okay. You do your makeup in their car. Hi. You don't do makeup.

[21:29] They said, but you can do it. Don't worry. So, you are not sure what to do. Most of the time, there's an underlining problem. Bitterness. Bitter.

[21:40] People who are bitter are confused. They don't even know what they want and when they want it. And so, being in a relationship with a bitter person, it can be very complicated.

[21:51] If you are here and you are, every time people are in a relationship with a soul, you are like this. And every time people are moving on from, moving on in a relationship with you. That means there may be some bitterness hiding somewhere.

[22:05] And guess what? When bitterness is growing, it is unnoticeable. It's gentle. You think you are okay. But you are entering into something. I will be showing you in the next series. In a few.

[22:17] Not today. I will be showing you how to overcome this thing called bitterness. Because it will poison your life. It will stifle your progress. And it will make you unhappy in life.

[22:29] I'm a very happy man. I'm a happy man. You can't hold me to ransom. You don't qualify. You don't qualify. Try and hurt me.

[22:40] I will get over it quickly. Because it says, don't let the sun go down over your anger. If you let the sun go down over your anger, you are about to lose that relationship. I've chosen.

[22:52] So that's why the easiest way to deal with bitterness is to start with forgiveness. As soon as, forgive in advance. So forgive you. Whether you are feminine or not.

[23:04] I'm forgiving you. As I was talking about. People will say, he doesn't know how much. He has to apologize before I forgive you. If Jesus has waited for you. You. To have apologized. When you were killing him.

[23:15] He said, Lord forgive them. Lord forgive them. For they know not what they do. Colossians 3.13. It says that forgive. Even as the Lord has forgiven you. And now you are saying that this man has to apologize first.

[23:26] That's revenge. You are seeking revenge. Bearing with one another. And forgiving one another. If any has a complaint against another. Even as Christ forgave you.

[23:37] So. You also. Church brothers. Stop the shouting. Do. Yes. Do.

[23:49] Nowadays. All these things have been eroded from our normal Christian life. Miracle. Yes. Blessing. Yes. It's all about what to get. Yes. But Christianity is about what he has done.

[24:00] And you giving back your entire life in return. Yes. Present your body as a living sacrifice. It's about what you are giving.

[24:11] So. In Christianity. You will feel the rock. Something will rock you. But guess what? It is polishing you. Not punishing you. Your life is getting better. And better. And better.

[24:22] When Bible says in 2 Corinthians chapter 3. Verse 17. Somewhere there. When it talks about. We are being moved. From glory. To glory. Most of us think that. It's just. It's just the subject. We are just there. And it's. It's just happening.

[24:33] No. It's based on how much we apply his word. Read it. When you read it. It says that. By beholding our face. Like in a glass. Then we are being moved. So. We look into God's word.

[24:43] 2 Corinthians chapter 3. Verse 17. And 18. Talks about we. Looking into the word. Are being changed. From glory. To glory. So. As we gaze into his word. And look.

[24:54] Do. We do as we see. We do as we. That is where the glory is. Glory doesn't come outside of doing the word. And doing the word is not coming to city.

[25:05] Just coming to city in church. I can't wait for faith seminar. Next. Next month is. This month is November. November. Are we talking about.

[25:17] The foundation of faith. The Bible said. Doing. Giving all diligence. Second. Second. Peter chapter. Chapter 1. Verse 5. Giving all diligence.

[25:29] Act to your faith. Everything builds on your faith. Anything. So. When you are forgiving people. You are forgiving the person. Based on faith in Jesus. Not based on how you feel.

[25:41] Everything holds value in Christianity. Based on faith. You can shout and shout. Dance and dance. Give and give. And even lead yourself to be slaughtered.

[25:53] If there is no faith. Back in that. It is. It is irrelevant. It doesn't carry any water. And so. If you are a woman of faith. If you are a man of faith.

[26:03] Then you begin to act on God's word. By forgiving. By forgiving. Tell someone. I forgive you already. Turn around.

[26:15] Look at somebody. Just a few times. I forgive you already. I remember. Pastor. Years ago. I remember. I was in secondary school. At SU. Someone was preaching.

[26:26] And after that service. One brother was so upset. Do you know why? I was upset with someone else. He said. When the pastor was talking about someone. He kept looking at my face. He kept looking at. What does he mean?

[26:38] And I know. When I said. Turn to someone. Someone may look. Go and look at someone. And you will be offended. Why did he come to look at me. And say. I'm forgiving you. What that gospel was saying. Was true. You know what I'm talking about.

[26:52] I know what I'm talking about. This is spoiling. Beautiful relationships. And fellowships in Christ. Offense. And bitterness.

[27:02] But I see someone thriving. Thriving. I see someone thriving in Christ. I said. I see someone thriving in Christ.

[27:14] Acts chapter 24. Verse 16. Acts chapter 24. Verse 16. The devil is a liar.

[27:32] Nothing will take away your blessing. No. Amen. Thus being so. I myself. Always strive to. Have a good conscience. Without offense.

[27:43] Toward God. And man. Toward God. And man. I strive. Okay. I strive. Say strive. Say strive. Strive.

[27:54] It takes effort. Not to be offended. You didn't get that. You can write it down. It takes effort.

[28:04] Not to be offended. I strive. I strive. I push myself. I make myself.

[28:15] I strive. I strive. I strive. I strive. I strive. I strive. Someone say I strive. I strive. Say I strive. I strive.

[28:26] Say it like you are not offended. Say I strive. I strive. I strive. I strive to have a conscience. Without.

[28:37] King James said void of offense. Toward God and man. So that you are not offended in God. Offended in people. Offended in people. Because it will just make your life stale or distasteful.

[28:55] People. Can I guarantee you? People will definitely step on your toe. That's people. You know the definition of people? Toe steppers.

[29:07] You want to know who people are? People are. People are. Beings. Who step on toes. That's why in the West. Many people. Prefer having cats and dogs.

[29:19] In their house. Because at least. That cats and dog. Will not really. Intentionally step on your toe. When you say sleep. You will sleep. You will go and come. And then it's giving you. So I will die.

[29:30] And make my will. To that dog. Because I think dogs are more. Some people. I find people say that. I love my dogs than any human do.

[29:43] I strive to have a conscience. Christianity. Say Christianity. Christianity. You know what I saw in the scriptures? Pastor Simon. This scripture is serious.

[29:55] I know you know it. It's a serious scripture of man abroad. 2 Timothy. Chapter 2. Verse 20.

[30:08] I think 24. To 26. That was a very strange scripture. Last two years I saw it. I've known this scripture. But one day. I saw it. And I said wow.

[30:19] Many pastors have not noticed this one. Did you see that? All right. Can we read it together? Are you ready?

[30:31] Let's go. And the servant of the Lord. Must not quarrel. Be gentle to all. And to teach. And patient. The servant of God.

[30:42] Must not quarrel. Put the key. Let's see how key. Put it. And the servant of the Lord. Must not strive. Don't say this. Paul said I strive. You see.

[30:52] The striving here. Is. Contentions. With people. You are a man of God. It's not only the pastor. Christian is a man.

[31:03] When you see the man of God. In the Bible. He's talking about you and I. Man of God. Okay. Say I'm a man of God. I'm a man of God. Don't bother to say we're man of God. Say I'm a man of God. I'm a man of God.

[31:13] So you are the man of God. He said. The man of God. Must not strive. That means. People will actually get on. Step on your toe. But make it be determined that. Why should I quarrel with someone?

[31:25] A Christian. And nowadays it's so common. For a Christian. For a Christian. I don't talk to you this way. And you see them. One day I was told. I was aghasted when I heard it. I was told.

[31:36] It has never happened in Graceland. The first time it's ever happened in church. was in Pastor Frank Chihol. When we closed from church. And two people were fighting.

[31:50] And guess what? They are not needed. But active in church. They are each other's wife's brother-in-law.

[32:03] Doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense. So. Let's say Pastor Frank. Is married to. Pastor Wu's sister.

[32:14] Okay. So. Pastor Wu is my wife. And because of that. Pastor Frank's wife. Is my sister-in-law. And my wife. Is. His sister-in-law. And they were fighting. After church.

[32:25] I've never seen something. Like that. For Christians. Raw. Hey. And I went to. They all want to say. My friend. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Hey. I realized my calling was on a line.

[32:38] Hey. I've never seen something before. And they cut you in. He said. You. What do you think you are? Cut you in. Very ferociously. Now. The next time. I didn't see.

[32:48] I've never seen something again. In Carriage. Because. We will preach that thing out of you. It's a demon. No. It's a demon. It's a demonic spirit. The next time.

[32:59] I saw something. I didn't see. I heard. I think. A few months ago. Two sisters. After church. They were standing in front of my office. Yeah.

[33:10] Can you imagine? In such a holy atmosphere. After church. Then where did you enter them? They were arguing. Who went and separated them?

[33:22] Is it Stephanie? Yeah. You were there. Lift up your hand. So that you will know. I'm not lying. She went and said. Oh. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Oh. Please. Say. No. You. You are like this.

[33:32] After church. People were going to pick their children. Up there. In front of my office. When I heard. I couldn't believe. I said. In this holy atmosphere. In a season of unusual harvest.

[33:44] Is that kind of harvest you are bringing? Is that the kind of harvest you are bringing? But. Remember. Brothers and sisters. On the most serious note. It is distasteful. Shameful. For you to be found. As a Christian.

[33:55] Shouting about. I have faith. I praise God. And you say. You are quarrying with somebody else. And you are doing it comfortably. With impudence. Me.

[34:06] Me. What do you. Who do you think you are? Shame. Shame on you. Shame. That love will give you.

[34:19] But you understand what I'm saying? Yeah. When we go born again. It's hard. Oh. Recently I heard someone. Oh. Yeah. That's why she didn't leave the air. We were doing foundation last year.

[34:33] I could hear. In the foyer. Help me. Help me. Help me. So I thought. And your number must come around. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.

[34:43] Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. That's what I want. Yeah. Forgive me. Yeah. That's what I want. But on a more serious note.

[34:59] The servant of God must not strive. We ignore that one and say God. Where is the blessing coming? Bless me quickly. Don't you see I'm fasting? Look at my stomach.

[35:10] My stomach used to be very fat. Now it's gone. God. I'm fasting. I'm giving my tithe. even the pastor has been clapping for me the way I pay my tithe. God what is the blessing? unbelievers can do all that easily. which unbeliever can dance to such nice music? they will dance. they will dance. some people come to church that's not that's not problem. see if we don't take care we'll be gathering some dignified unbelievers in our churches and then they manage to go join the choir join us and they are spoiling our fellowship because their hearts have not been touched by the Holy Ghost. is it good to be preaching these kind of things? so clap for me then. don't be offended okay. so it says that that when I saw that scripture one day I was reading about two years ago. no no about a year and a half ago I was studying my Bible and I said hey I knew this years ago about 20 years ago but I saw it again.

[36:23] the servant of God must not strive. the servant of God must not quarrel. but you know why I was so surprised when I woke in? because I know so many pastors who don't talk to each other.

[36:38] they can't stand each other. serious. but it's also the servant of God is here. the servant of God the great servant of God is here. let's welcome his presence. and yet he doesn't talk to you about dozens of other servants of God. and that is not a problem. if you try to call it and say what's wrong with that? you will grow one day you don't know. you don't understand. you have to have wisdom.

[37:05] you have to have wisdom. you have to have wisdom. you have to have wisdom. you have to have wisdom. praise God. the servant of God must not strive. in Ephesians chapter 4 verse 31. let's look at it and we will all read it together from the screen. Ephesians chapter 4 verse 31. before 31 it talks about how don't grieve the Holy Spirit. okay. so verse 30 talks about how we shouldn't we shouldn't grieve the Holy Spirit of God. by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. then it goes on the next statement. let's read it together.

[37:43] let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. did you see that evil speaking is part of it? what's evil speaking?

[37:56] saying evil speaking? saying evil things about someone to another person. who has not got anything to do with that? evil speaking. sometimes some brother will say something and the other some people are good interpreters. said by the enemy. so pastor will make me say hey man of God. how are you?

[38:15] said this your shoe is shoe. then pastor will come to me. did you understand what he meant? people know that's how people do. they've been saying shoes and they are trying to pick on you unnecessary. you have to be careful about them.

[38:32] you are evil speaking. you are evil speaking. you are sowing seeds. negative seeds. negative seeds. into somebody's innocent heart. God will hold you responsible. God will hold you up responsible.

[38:50] guess what? there's a certain lady who used to come to church regularly with her wife and other people. sorry husband. i'm sorry. husband. and some other siblings. this woman started, went and told one of the ladies that people don't like us in church. then this lady said, really? so you want to go to church begin to watch. so she was also programmed. she came to church.

[39:19] after church went there. ah, it's true. when we were shaking hands, people didn't want to shake my hands. this woman was innocent. never knew anything until this evil reporter or evil interpreter went to interpret events to him or to her. and then guess what? it never got better.

[39:41] and she managed to carry herself, her husband and others were connected. they all like mass movement. they all collected themselves.

[39:53] went away. why? because somebody said they don't like you and you didn't even know. till an evil interpreter comes to tell you that that is why they are not making you sing always.

[40:05] why do you think they don't let you sing always? because why do you think pastors don't sit there? why do you think pastor moves you from this chair and they ask you to sit here? hey, you open your eyes. why do you think pastor? why do you think pastor is not letting you preach? he made this one preach. he made this one preach.

[40:21] but why is it that way? an evil interpreter has come near your door. it's about to kill you. evil speaking. he said put away all these things from amongst you. put it away. now. he says that put away bitterness.

[40:36] bitterness. bitterness. bitterness must not find space around your life. because it will quench your blessings. you won't go anywhere with bitterness. you can be traveling on the way of bitterness only to find out that there is no way later.

[40:50] it's not going anywhere. and watch this. watch this. it's so human. it's so human to be embittered. such that when you are embittered you feel justified.

[41:06] that's the ploy of the devil. it's trapped. it's just trapped in you. you feel justified because of a b c d and other things you hear. when i come actually on dealing with bitterness i'm going to talk about a few stuff as well.

[41:20] but because of a b c d you heard. you were so convinced. that no. this is not right. you know human beings we always thought. it's not right. that's my right. it's not fair. it's not fair. it's not fair.

[41:32] once something enters your heart beginning to think it's not fair. i need this is my right. i need to be treated at least with some respect. no no. always some. and i begin to go down.

[41:44] i discovered. that god knows why he places us where he places us. oh yeah. god knows why. don't remove yourself. your parents are not your parents by accident.

[41:58] because the way they are wired. they need to deal with some wiring inside of your system. some people. the best person to pastor you is me. oh you know. no no. all of you.

[42:12] i'm not surprised you are not clapping. time will tell. no no. if i don't pastor you. you know some pastors are very nice. you misbehave and say don't worry.

[42:24] oh don't worry. okay don't worry. because they just are interested in their suffering. your friend. you have to bring your friend. they are afraid to tell you because they won't want you to go.

[42:35] oh oh you know i have that problem. i'm not afraid of you. you know what. i was cold. i said. you didn't call me. so i know. you can intimidate me. if you try. the one who called me will take your hand. i won't be offended. but he will get you.

[42:52] he will get you. he will come after you. those of you who have been attempting to gossip about me. he's going to come after you. he will. he he he he he he he he he he he he he. someone with a big stick is coming up.

[43:07] one day you wake up in the morning. your head is swollen. he he he he he he he he he he he he. i don't like that. but you see it's very important. some you are not where you are by accident.

[43:19] even this church. one of the longest and old members. in this church. they have been around for a long day. thank god for having such a pastor. i mean they will tell you. you won't come and ask them.

[43:31] lillian isn't it? yeah. some of us. the way you were brought up. you need a pastor like me. you won't have a good marriage.

[43:42] you know. i'm not going to marry your wife for you or husband for you. do you know. there's some of the things that we have been saying it. you need someone to just drill some. you know.

[43:53] some things. your system. so that what was missing. from. because no one could tell you to sit here. no one could tell you. every time you do whatever you. and no one can instruct you.

[44:05] you are like kung fu. no one can bring you under control. oh. i don't love control. but i love order. hey. i love order. i can stop the preaching right now.

[44:19] it doesn't matter what is being recorded. i can stop the preaching and deal with the little boy who is out of order. that is my way. my style. maybe it's a problem. but i'll get to find it. but you need that problem.

[44:31] shout hallelujah. all right. let me show you last scripture. today is just to prepare the grounds for. dealing with bitterness.

[44:45] yeah. because actually i'm going to be dealing with. overcoming bitterness. you have to show you how to deal with that thing. because some of us are already. falling in the trap. not maybe in church here. but maybe some church you were in.

[44:59] and so you are bringing it on us. boom. oh don't you know offended people usually offend others. hurt people hurt people. yeah.

[45:11] so. we need to help. because we are. you are one of us. you are one of us. bible said bear with one another. if we can't bear with you. then who can. who should bear with you. the church should be full of love.

[45:24] and to bear with people. and out of love too. we will be correcting you. and helping you to. say amen. last scripture. because we can't finish this text without the scripture.

[45:35] hebrews chapter 12 verse 15. hebrews chapter 12 verse 15. bible talks about how in galatians chapter 5. the scriptures talk about the fruit of the spirit.

[45:46] what do you mean. say fruits. fruits. it takes roots to get fruits. you need some roots. to get some fruits. you need some roots. to get some fruits.

[46:03] bible talks about in ephesians chapter 3. talks about how being rooted and grounded. in love. ephesians 3.17 and 18. somewhere there.

[46:15] be rooted and grounded. so we need some roots. now. watch this. hebrews. go back to hebrews. sorry. in hebrews. chapter 12. verse 15. let's go to verse 14. oh. such a lovely. this is all in the bible you know.

[46:27] look at verse 14. can you imagine. can you imagine. some are already out loud. very loud. pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will speak.

[46:38] one more time. i know some of you don't feel comfortable reading. but please read it out loud to yourself. pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will speak.

[46:49] how many people should you pursue peace with? who should do their pursuing? holy ghost. you pursue peace. in 1 thessalonians. it says that when.

[47:00] if it lies within your power. make sure you are at peace with all people. pursue peace. so if you see someone coming up around you. and is.

[47:12] trying to sleep. pursue peace. with the person. with the person. of course someone sleeping. that's why. pursue peace. with all.

[47:23] so someone comes around you. and trying to create confusion. i discovered. ah. today i had. it was it joysmeyer. yeah. i had joysmeyer. oh is it joysmeyer. joysmeyer said. i think it's she.

[47:35] the one who said it. she said. it takes. two. to have a quarrel. but it takes. one. to create peace. it takes one.

[47:48] one can choose to just. make peace. and everything will be okay. husband and wife. one of us can choose to be the peacemaker.

[48:00] though the world. you earn. or the world may not acknowledge you. and give you a nobel. peace prize. you make sure that. you have it with god.

[48:11] you're a peacemaker. pursue peace with all people. and holiness. without which. it's not possible to see god. time will not permit us. we have read. read from different translations. are interesting.

[48:22] all right. but let's go to the verse 15. because that's where. i really want to talk about. verse 15 says that. looking carefully. lest anyone. fall short of the grace of god. the grace of god. can you imagine that.

[48:33] think about that. you can fall short of the grace. the thing that's supposed to help you. you can fall short of it. why are you going. and you can imagine. if you fall short of the grace of god.

[48:44] first thing is not what brings it back. bible calls it the word of his grace. bible says god gives grace to the humble. okay. so. looking.

[48:55] that. that. that. that phrase. looking carefully. lest anyone. connotes. looking. like. being one another's keeper. so.

[49:06] i have to. be mindful of you. you have to be mindful of me. and we have to watch out for one another. lest any one of us. fall short of the grace of god. so. i have a responsibility towards you. you have a responsibility towards me. she has a responsibility towards him.

[49:17] he has a responsibility towards her. you understand what i'm saying. so. looking. looking carefully. lest anyone. fall short of the grace of god. guess what. lest any root of bitterness.

[49:28] springing up. cause trouble. root of bitterness. root of bitterness. root of bitterness. root of bitterness. when jesus was talking about.

[49:40] um. the. the. the hearts. they said what. is what comes out of the heart. that put you fire man. he said that. such as anger. malice. the fruits.

[49:51] when the roots take place. the fruits. the fruits. of bitterness. is anger. malice. jealousy. backbiting. evil surmises. which i don't know what actually means.

[50:02] but. and evil speaking of. and slandering. all those things are the fruits. the fruits. but the root of bitterness. and some causing trouble.

[50:14] guess what it troubles. it troubles you. the career. and troubles fellowship. bitterness. isn't good. bitterness. ain't good. see when you are bitter.

[50:25] you see. you don't see anything better. in anything. when you are bitter. everything you. you see differently. like the story of the gentleman who. the old man. she.

[50:36] he was asleep in his couch. and his. he woke up one day. the whole world was smelling cheese. hmm. so. no.

[50:47] the whole world. his room. his living room. his bedroom. so he got up and went to the living room. hmm. the living room smells cheese. so he went to the. kitchen.

[50:58] the kitchen smells cheese. why? so he decided to go out. of the house. of his room. into the. the garden. went to the garden. hmm.

[51:09] so he. maybe it's decimal house. went to the street. walked down the house. walked down the street. the whole place was smelling cheese. so. the whole world is smelling cheese.

[51:20] smelling of cheese. and. so when he. not knowing when he was asleep. grandmother. his granddaughter. was eating cheese and played around. saw his mustache. the. the grandmother smelled the cheese on his mustache.

[51:33] so he. he woke up. the thing was on his nostrils. but he thought he was asleep everywhere. he he he he. he he. he. he. that's how bitterness is like.

[51:44] oh. bitterness makes you. see things that don't exist. people who are laughing with you. think they are the accounts. and they are juice. someone. an usher gives you a place to sit.

[51:57] you say this one doesn't like me. a choir director. a choir leader. a choir leader. actually to stand here. he said. because he doesn't like me. because she doesn't like me. a pastor is preaching.

[52:08] and talks about choir. he said. someone's going to tell him something. that's why he's. the pastor is preaching. and talks about sound men. he says. you see pastor is always trying to pick on us. because of me. who I'm there.

[52:19] the pastor is preaching. he speaks about ashes. he says. hey. hey. now every time. what again should we address. hmm. the pastor is talking.

[52:30] he mentions. weak. weak. isn't it so. somebody say mercy.

[52:42] mercy. mercy. but listen. we have decided that nothing will stand in the way of our blessings. this one. can I say this in conclusion. this thing I'm talking about is not deliverance matter.

[52:54] it's discipline matter. you have to be determined to be a christian. you don't need deliverance. and they hear you. come out. then they cast out the demon. the demon of. what they call it.

[53:05] bitterness. then they see it coming out. and then because you are shaking shaking. demon of bitterness is going. it's going. it doesn't work like that. it's a decision. you have to apply the word. strive. strive.

[53:17] put the word into action. then when you do that. the bible says that. see at the man. see at the man. he said. who looks diligently in the law of liberty. and this man is not forgetful.

[53:28] he said. this man shall be blessed in all his ways. that's the blessing. and so I'm so sure that this man is going to be very good for somebody. do you know why?

[53:40] because we have blown the enemy's cover. yes. we have exposed the enemy. i said. we have exposed the enemy. we have exposed the enemy. we have exposed the enemy. he will not have an upper hand over anyone here.

[53:51] in the name of jesus. i see you rising. i see you enjoying unusual harvest. i see somebody enjoying unusual harvest. by friday someone is going to come back.

[54:03] with testimonies of unusual harvest. in the name of jesus christ. by sunday someone is going to come back. with testimonies of unusual harvest. in the name of jesus. as you put god's word into action.

[54:14] i see your heavens open. i see your heavens open. i see your heavens open. i see your heavens open. in the name of jesus. anyone the enemy will send you away. to offend you.

[54:25] to hurt you. i see you overcoming them. i see you overcoming the death. the death. the enemy's blood. in the name of jesus. i see you walking in forgiveness. i see you walking as a free man.

[54:38] as a free woman. for he who the son shall stand free. is free indeed. so shall he be. lift up your hands.

[54:49] your right hand and begin to pray. and say god. i receive your word. i receive your word. i choose not to walk in unforgiveness. somebody pray right now. pray pray. say i choose not.

[55:00] it's a choice. i choose not to walk in bitterness. i choose not to walk in unforgiveness. thank you for listening. for more resources. please visit caris.org and call us on 0207 740 9960.

[55:14] god bless you.