A bitter Christian can be someone who has been disappointed by the actions of other Christians. If you cannot forgive those believers who have let you down, if you hold a grudge against them, then you are setting yourself up for failure in your Christian walk. You will be walking in darkness in that you are not abiding in the light of fellowship with God.
The Apostle John wrote, "9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." 1 John 2:9-11
There is a connection between bitterness and hate. One who is bitter is not walking in love. You could choose to forgive and walk in love. That doesn't mean you have to like the way someone is, nor does it mean you have to trust them or not hold them accountable for what they have done. But if you are unforgiving and unloving, then you are not walking in the light and are subject to failure in your spiritual life and usefulness for God.
James wrote, "13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13
The believer who has been or believes he has been wronged needs to seek to be merciful to those by whom he has been wronged. Just as God forgave us in Christ, we are to forgive others. But if you cannot forgive others, you will not receive mercy from God. This is a not about receiving eternal life, but about consequences in this life--about failure in your walk and service to God.
Jesus spoke a parable that addresses the consequences of not showing mercy: "23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34 And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." Matthew 18:23-35
If someone or many have wronged you or offended you, do not become bitter and unloving and unforgiving. Do not take it out on all believers. Jesus gave the commandment to love one another: "34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 This was a more specific commandment than the summary commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself." Don't set your expectations so high, for people will let you down, and remember that you let God down, and he has forgiven (and will forgive) you. God has shown you what is good and what he requires, "... to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
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