Poisoned and Bound

I have heard the phrase used concerning great trials, that one becomes “bitter or better”. Bitterness usually comes from unforgiveness. In Acts 8:23, we see Simon was admonished, “For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

So bitterness can produce poison. But, poison meant for the unforgiven, only harms and poisons the unforgiving. Then there is the condition of being bound. He was bound, or tied up, in iniquity. (Iniquity is defined as wickedness or sin.)

Jesus can “loose” us and forgiveness (only through the power of Jesus) can make us better.

“And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, ‘Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.’ And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”  Luke 13:11-13  NKJV