A Bitter Gospel

Today on this first Sunday following Ascension Day we will continue our series Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Movement. We will discover that the Jesus Way cuts through the facades and gets right to the heart. 1. The false gospel of selfish desires 2. The false gospel of hysteria 3. The false gospel of "the deal" Indicators of a Heart of Bitterness Do you have imaginary conversations in your mind with someone who wronged you? Do you feel the need to slander someone to other people? Do you replay a conversation or experience over and over in your mind? Are you happy when this person doesnt do their best? Do you feel anger every time you hear a particular persons name? Does that persons presence around you make you behave other than you would otherwise? Do you feel some dark satisfaction when you criticize that person? The Slide Towards Bitterness Transgression Perception Emotion Rumination Bitterness The Pathway to Freedom from Bitterness Recall the hurt Empathize with the inflictor Altruistic offer of grace Commitment to one another Hold onto forgiveness