Yesterday I attended a Philippino Church service, at Maui, Hawai’i, where the preacher talked about the subject of overcoming bitterness. His four point sermon was very interesting and well received. Personally I reflected on those moments that people have attempted to hurt me and how my reactions has been like – ultmitately, the pastor had a point of encouragement to my life. Here is a summary of the sermon:

We need to overcome bitterness by:

1. Considering it a blessing when we suffer (based on 1Peter 3:14) – and I think it is true that by God’s grace every experience will bring a blessing. People might mean it for evil, but God will find a blessing for His children, no matter. I found myself going on a mind trip to many instances in life that what seemed to be evil always turned out to be a blessing in disguise. What a fitting thought as we reflect on world evangelisation in the 21st century.

2. Refusing to entertain fear in our situations (1Peter 3:15) – in many ocassions God in His word gives this injunction: ’fear not’. Someone said in a class several years ago, ’fear is the greatest enemy of man’, and the more I reflect on it, the more see the point – Satan inflicts us by bring in fear in our lives and hence instead overcoming bitterness, we want to revenge due to fear of the unknown. Indeed, those of us engaged in the ministry, we should not run away from the pressures that comes with our calling.

3. Setting apart Christ as Lord (1Peter 3:16) – the point here is, in whatever situation, Christ is still Lord. The pastor brought in the example of Stephen, who in the moment of death through stoning, saw Christ standing on the right hand of God and said a prayer of forgiveness to his assailants. Christ being in the position of authority, what can man do to us – exercise forgiveness in the moment of suffering rather than bitterness. What a lovely truth, in these days where people are self-lovers!

4. Being ready to witness (1Peter 3:15) – the point here being, rather than revenge, provide an opportunity to witness Christ to even the enemies. This is not just apologetics, it is rather testimonial – where when people ask the why of your actions, then you tell them about the Christ who died for us.

This was quite a refreshing sermon being thousands of miles away from home in the midst of the Pacific Ocean!

I pray that you will be refreshed by this testimony and consider blessing those who inflict all manner of suffering to us – may it be: mental, spiritual, physical or economic.

With every prayerful thoughts to you all.

Mumo Kisau, 28th June 2010