It is the mother of all family feuds. It is known as "The Hatfields and the McCoys." It started in 1878; it ended in 1890. It was a twelve- year war between two neighbors that killed three Hatfields, seven McCoys, and two outsiders. What was the feud over—a hog! Bitterness over one hog stole twelve years and twelve lives.

I'm going to talk to you today about a subject that I believe probably afflicts everyone at some time in their life, and it is the subject of bitterness. Many people who are hearing this message today are slaves in bondage to the master of bitterness. Some of you are bitter toward God because of a tragedy that happened in your life for which you blame Him. Some of you are bitter toward others, such as a boss who unjustly fired you; a spouse who left you for someone else;…