Sweet Bitterness

by Royce

As I sip my cup of temulawak (Curcumin), I begin to wonder why foods and drinks that taste bitter are often beneficial for our health. It turns out that they are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols — compounds that our taste buds perceive as bitter, yet which protect our cells, reduce inflammation, and help prevent disease.

This brings to mind what Paul said about suffering in Romans 5:1–5:

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Suffering is a bitter experience, and we all have a choice in how to navigate it. We can become bitter and feel entitled to better circumstances, or we can choose to surrender our suffering to God and grow in our relationship with Him. As Proverbs 3:5–6 advises, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I have learned personally that suffering is not about punishment from God, but rather it is a seed to be nurtured. In John 9:1–5, when Jesus was asked about a man born blind, He responded, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned… but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Being healed means being whole again and united with God, not just physical healing.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.” — Philippians 4:6–7 (MSG)

Let us turn every bitter moment in our lives into an opportunity to taste the sweetness of God’s love for us and for the world.