Free from the Stronghold of Acrimony

As with almost every stronghold, acrimony begins in our thoughts. When we allow thoughts of hatred, anger, vengeance, or offense to well up inside us we may invite a bitterness which we cannot control, and that bitterness will spew out at every opportunity.

Terrific movie of how easy it is to push anger over the edge.

Unlike bitterness, which can hide for decades in a host before it does damage to anyone but the host, acrimony blurts out its intentions. Harsh, bitter words spill forth without any guard or regard to the outcome. Many a bully uses acrimony to hurt, harm, and otherwise try to destroy.

Acrimony can be the culmination of days, months, or even years of internal bitterness. When acrimony increases it can become a stronghold that’s hard to defeat.

The dictionary describes acrimony as harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or disposition. At times our words are not tempered and we speak out acrimoniously. However, when a spirit or stronghold of acrimony is present the same words can seriously harm the hearer and may be spoken over and over again. Harsh words spoken over and over again will have a destructive effect on the hearer.



Job 10:1 I hate my life.  I will freely express my complaint.  I will speak as bitterly as I feel.

What can be done to prevent acrimony?

5 Biblical tips to prevent and overcome a stronghold of acrimony. 
1. Temper all your input with God’s words for you and his will for your future before you allow bitter thoughts to accumulate or fester.

Job 7:11 “Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

2. Guard your heart. Everything you embrace and accept should be glorifying to God.

Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Matthew 15:18  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

3. Ask God to guard your thoughts. Our thoughts can lead us to bitterness and eventually blurting out that bitterness or acrimony.

Philippians 4:6-8 Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.

4. Turn everything over to God in prayer and thanksgiving before bitterness turns to acrimony.

Psalm 39:12 Listen to my prayer, O Lord.  Open your ear to my cry for help.  Do not be deaf to my tears,  for I am a foreign resident with you, a stranger like all my ancestors.

5. Take control of your own emotions. Determine to keep yourself free from acrimony and outside influences that may cause it forever.

Ephesians 4:31 31 Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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