Bitterness doesn't come in only through unforgiveness. If we understand how it enters, we can guard against it.
The King of Syria sent a letter to the King of Israel. Right away, the King of Israel thinks he's trying to pick a fight. He didn't know that an Israeli girl, captured and made a slave, told her mistress about the prophet who could heal Naaman of leprosy.
Did God arrange for the girl to be there, so she could help Naaman? Just because God brings good out of a bad situation doesn't mean He engineered it. Israel experienced attacks from Syria because they'd gone into idolatry. Remember, just because someone in the Bible says something doesn't mean it's true. Look at the person's character. If God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit didn't say it, we need to weigh the person's statements.
Naaman is finally directed to Elisha. He has a preconceived idea of what will happen when he gets there but doesn't tell anyone. Instead, a servant meets him and directs him to dip in the Jordan river. Did Elisha do anything against Naaman? No,but he didn't meet Naaman's expectations. Bitterness can come because:
1. People fail to meet our expectations (silent or spoken).
2. Situations are not what we desire.
3. Unforgiveness.
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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10 AM. Children's Church also starts at 10:00 AM. Toddler class and nursery are also available.
Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
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