"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" (Eph 4:31).

According to a recent news article a doctor from New York is suing his former wife for more than a million dollars for a kidney he gave her while the couple were still married. The kidney was given in June 2001. They remained together for the next four years, but then the women filed for divorce in July of 2005 and sought custody of their three children. Fortunately for the wife, it is illegal in America for an organ to be exchanged for anything of value. Organs in the United States may not be bought or sold. Donating an organ is a gift of human kindness and grace. Receiving money for an organ is illegal. It is a good law and one that should stand forever.

The extreme request for the return of an organ or compensation for the same brings to light the depths of human depravity and the bitterness of the human heart. When a relationship breaks down evil appears.

Biblically, evil may be defined as injurious behavior to self and to others. Individuals want to hurt another person they have become disenchanted with even if in years past they were the best of friends and closest of companions.

One of the first signs of a relationship being destroyed is the loss of verbal and physical communication. Eye contact is no longer made. Smiles are no longer offered. A handshake or hug is no longer offered. Conversation becomes short and stilted or silent. The isolation begins.

Second, the relationship becomes formal. Last names are suddenly used with formal titles. Letters are written instead of phone calls made or conversations held. The purpose is to remove intimacy and to reveal the depths of hostility and anger in the one writing. Not only is it embarrassing to receive such formal communication, it is silly. Intelligent people suddenly act worse than little children and reflect that childish language.

Third, the physical presence is removed. An invisible but very real barrier is erected. Body language conveys a stiffness and rigidity. People will walk out of the same room someone they once professed to love but now totally dislike is in or wait until someone is gone before entering. Time will be taken to track the movements of the person they are angry with lest that individual be encountered.

Fourth, a careful watchfulness will take place for there is a perverse curiosity as to what the object of bitterness and hatred is doing. Years may pass but the curiosity remains.

Fifth, there is secret rejoicing at any bad news received about the other person especially if it relates to poor health or death.

There are more negative emotions because the depths of sin seem endless which is why hell is presented in the Bible as a bottomless pit. There are depths of evil that are deeper still resulting in new threats and words of intimidation for time and distance are no barriers to bitterness.

For the Christian, a royal command is given which must be seriously considered and obeyed. The Bible says "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:" God does not allow some bitterness and some anger and some evil speaking; rather, He commands it all to be put away and replaced with kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness. I do not say this is easy. I say it is the will of the Lord for those who name the name of Christ. Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

There is a basis for showing renewed grace, mercy and love to the undeserving. It can be called reciprocal love. God, for Christ’s sake, forgives us despite all the evil we have done and continue to do because bitterness is nursed and the unjustifiable is justified.

For Christians who have been hurt or offended by someone, real or imagined, the Word of the Lord calls upon you to change your heart. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." When you do love will be free to flow not only from your heart to the one you once cared for but also from the heart of God to you. The Bible also teaches how we forgive will determined how we are forgiven. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).