The document summarizes the story of Naomi from the book of Ruth in the Bible. It describes the sequence of events in Naomi's life: she and her family left their home during a famine and moved to Moab, where both her sons died, leaving her without any family. Feeling she had nothing left, Naomi decided to return to her homeland, but asked her daughters-in-law to stay behind. Ruth insisted on going with Naomi. When they arrived, Naomi declared her name was now "Mara," meaning "bitter," because she had left her homeland as a woman with a family but returned empty and alone. The document warns about allowing bitterness to damage relationships with God, others,

1. ARE YOU BETTER OR BITTER?RUTH CHAPTER 1 September 8, 2010 Senior Pastor/Teacher: Spencer T. O’Neal

3. Her husband decides to leave Judah

4. She submits to her husband’s authority

5. Her husband decides to go to Moab

6. Her husband dies 10 years later

7. Her two sons marry women from MoabPg 1

8. Sequence of Events in the Life of Naomi (cont.) Both sons die 10 years later Naomi lost everything she left with Judah Naomi hears that God is blessing Judah Naomi decides to leave Moab and head back to Judah They took the road that lead back to Judah Pg 1

9. Sequence of Events in the Life of Naomi (cont.) On the way back to Judah, told both daughters-in-law to return home. Orpah decides to leave Naomi. Ruth enters into covenant with Naomi. The two of them continued their Journey. When they arrived in Judah, the entire community was excited. Pg 1

10. Sequence of Events in the Life of Naomi (cont.) However, Naomi decided to change her name to Mara (Bitter) Naomi left PLEASANT but she came back BITTER. Pg 1

11. is caused by having a strong feeling of hostility or resentment caused by something that was hard for you to accept or admit. What sequence of events has caused you to become Bitter? Has anything ever happened to you and you didn’t understand why? Bitterness Pg 3

12. is caused by having a strong feeling of hostility or resentment caused by something that was hard for you to accept or admit. What happens when the unexpected happens? Do you realize that you have a choice when the unexpected happen? Will you choose to be Bitter or Better? Bitterness (cont.) Pg 3

13. Bitterness damages your relationship with God Bitterness damages your relationships with other people. Bitterness damages your relationship with self. Three Reasons to Avoid being Bitter Pg 5

14. Give it to God; let Him get justice for you! I Peter 5:7 Thank God for the good that has happened and do not focus on the bad! I Thessalonians 5:18 Learn to love all over again! I John 4:20 Three Simple Steps to Getting Rid of Bitterness Pg 5