Almost everyone has some memories that are painful. The way one responds to these memories will dictate what these memories will do to that person. In this article the author explains the consequences of harboring bitterness over such memories. Six suggestions are also offered to solve the problem.

The human mind is a great gift from God. It manifests itself in wonderful acts of creativity all around the world. On the other hand, the same mind can become man's greatest enemy and a curse if it is not handled and maintained properly.

Memory is an important constituent of human minds. Man has to retain a lot of things in memory for living a normal life. But if he retains things which are better overlooked or forgotten then he is inviting abnormality.

Everyone is going to be hurt by someone or some incident. It might be an unkind word, a cruel exploitation, a missed opportunity or an unexpected tragedy or even by a casual comment made by an unsuspecting friend. No one can keep unpleasant events from coming repeatedly into his life. In themselves, these events cannot cause a lasting effect, but the way one responds to them is going to create good or bad long-time effects. If a bitter response is not forgotten soon, then gradually it fills the whole life with bitterness. The longer one carries it in one's heart, the more it increase in severity. Like a rotting egg, the more it is stored the more offensive it becomes.

Probably some of my readers were mistreated or cheated by a parent, a teacher, a spouse or their equals in society. Probably his fellow students always mocked at him. Probably one of his weakness, or even special abilities, became the target of name-calling. Or probably others exploited his simplicity and innocence. This is unfortunate and an evil, but according to Romans 8:28 God uses everything for bringing good his children. But if one turns bitter and then harbors it in his heart for a prolonged period, one damages his/her mental and spiritual health and emotions. Others cannot hinder God from blessing us, but we can by running away from him.

As the industrial revolution becomes more widespread, and as the race for a good life segregates people into smaller units, the cushioning role played by one's extended family, cousins and well wishers is left behind. Consequently, the problems of damaged emotions will only increases. These then manifest themselves in any number abnormal behavior patterns.

Manifestations of Damage: The first manifestation is hypersensitivity. The hypersensitive person lives and thrives upon the approval of others. On the day that he gets his quota of approval he is happy and on the day he senses any lack of approval he is miserable. Instead of being sensitive to others, such persons become insensitive, demanding and cruel. They will hurt, dominate and push others using every tool that they have at their disposal -- money, power, sex, or even their sermons !

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