Definition and Context
Embittering refers to the act of causing someone to feel resentment, anger, or bitterness. In a biblical context, embittering can occur in relationships, particularly within families, and is often warned against as it can lead to discord and a lack of harmony. The Bible addresses the dangers of embittering others, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and love in relationships.

Biblical References
One of the key passages addressing embittering is found in the New Testament, specifically in the context of family relationships. In Colossians 3:19, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them" . The term "harsh" can be understood as actions or words that embitter or provoke negative emotions. This verse highlights the responsibility of husbands to treat their wives with love and gentleness, avoiding any behavior that might lead to bitterness.

Similarly, Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" . Here, the focus is on the parental role, cautioning against actions that might embitter children. Instead, parents are encouraged to nurture their children in a way that reflects God's love and guidance.

Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, embittering is seen as contrary to the Christian virtues of love, patience, and kindness. The Bible consistently calls believers to live in a manner that reflects the character of Christ, who embodies these virtues. Embittering others can lead to sin, as it fosters an environment of anger and resentment, which can disrupt the unity and peace that should characterize Christian communities.

The teachings of Jesus further underscore the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24, where believers are encouraged to reconcile with others before offering their gifts at the altar. This passage implies that unresolved bitterness can hinder one's relationship with God.

Practical Application
In practical terms, avoiding embittering others involves practicing self-control, empathy, and active listening. Believers are called to be mindful of their words and actions, ensuring they build up rather than tear down. The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, provides a framework for behavior that prevents embittering: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" .

In family settings, open communication and mutual respect are essential in preventing bitterness. By prioritizing love and understanding, family members can create a nurturing environment that reflects God's love and grace.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of behaviors that lead to embittering, the principles of love, patience, and kindness serve as a guide for believers. By adhering to these principles, Christians can foster relationships that honor God and reflect His love to others.

Psalm LXXVIII.
... not forget the works of God, and may seek out His commandments" (ver.7). "That they
may not become, like their fathers, a crooked and embittering generation: a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

To the Honourable Mr Yorke.
... Alas! ambition makes my little less; Embittering the possess'd: Why wish
for more? 70. Wishing, of all employments, is the worst; ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the honourable mr yorke.htm

The Brevity of Life.
... these fundamental gifts, and so escape those lower and baser forms of life which
we meet all about in the world, spoiling the manhood and embittering the age ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/iii the brevity of life.htm

Advantages of Revelation Above Natural Reason.
... For example, in that disputable point of persecuting men for conscience sake, besides
the embittering their minds with hatred, indignation, and all the ...
/.../sect v advantages of revelation.htm

She Died for Him
... He is now a gray haired old man, with one sorrow over his one act of disobedience,
one wrong word embittering all his life"with those words ever ringing in ...
/.../shaw/touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/she died for him.htm

A Coffin in Egypt
... In fact, when the deliverance came, it was not particularly welcome, oven
though oppression was embittering the peoples' lives. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a coffin in egypt.htm

The Analysis
... For embittering life, for breaking up communities, for destroying the most sacred
relationships, for devastating homes, for withering up men and women, for ...
/.../drummond/the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/the analysis.htm

Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World
... For embittering life, for breaking up communities, for destroying the most sacred
relationships, for devastating homes, for withering up men and women, for ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/drummond the greatest thing.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... land. Third, Ex.1 presents him to our view as the merciless persecutor
of the Hebrews, embittering their lives by hard bondage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... Desertion works for good, as it is the means of embittering sin to us. Can
there be a greater misery than to have God's displeasure? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Embittering (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Embittering (1 Occurrence). Philippians 1:17
while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and ...
/e/embittering.htm - 6k

Embittered (12 Occurrences)

/e/embittered.htm - 10k

Imprisonment (15 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely,
supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. ...
/i/imprisonment.htm - 11k

Insincerely (3 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely,
supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. (WEY). ...
/i/insincerely.htm - 7k

Rivalry (8 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely,
supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. (WEY). ...
/r/rivalry.htm - 8k

Embodied (1 Occurrence)

/e/embodied.htm - 6k

Motives (13 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and
insincerely, supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. ...
/m/motives.htm - 10k

Supposing (16 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely,
supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. ...
/s/supposing.htm - 11k

Sincerely (8 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely,
supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. ...
/s/sincerely.htm - 9k

Proclaim (172 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely,
supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. ...
/p/proclaim.htm - 36k

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Embittering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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