Biblical Answer

Can a person still be a good Christian if they struggle with bitterness?

The answer to this question is yes, a person can still be a good Christian if they struggle with bitterness. As Paul says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). This means that Christians must do the work of forgiving wrongdoers in their hearts and then go to God in prayer, asking for His help in forgiving and releasing the bitterness. The Bible teaches that bitterness and unforgiveness can become a wall between us and God, hindering our prayers and causing trouble in our relationships with others (Hebrews 12:15).

However, struggling with bitterness does not mean that a person is not a good Christian. Jesus gives us the solution to bitterness in His teachings, and He calls us to forgive others and to not give back evil for evil (Matthew 5:44). This is a challenging command, but it is one that is possible with God's help. As the Bible says, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). This means that even in the midst of struggle, a person can still be a good Christian if they are seeking to follow Jesus and to live out His teachings in their life.

In fact, the Bible teaches that Christians are called to be people who say, "I forgive you" whenever the need to do so presents itself (Luke 6:27-36). This means that even in the midst of struggle, a person can still be a good Christian if they are seeking to forgive others and to release the bitterness that is holding them back. It is a journey, not a destination, and it requires God's help and guidance. But with God's help, it is possible to overcome bitterness and to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. As the Bible says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).