"Offended Christians also cut off their own ability to produce fruit. Jesus compared the heart with soil in the parable of the sower. Just as Cain's fields were barren, the soil of an offended heart is barren. Just as Cain's fields were barren, the soil of an offended heart is barren, poisoned by bitterness. Offended people still may experience miracles, words of utterance, strong preaching, and healing in their lives. But these are gifts of the Spirit, not fruits. We will be judged according to fruit, not gifting. A gift is given. Fruit is cultivated". 

~~~Wow. Powerful words. As I was reading this it dawned on me that I've been stuck in my own desert of bitterness. I've been surviving off of the grace of God, not drowning in my own misery and self-pity. We are so easily offended, we are so delicate. I noticed that I have been stroking my ego with angry thoughts against those that hurt me, these words provide a momentary gratification but what's left after that whisp evaporates is loneliness and emptiness. As a child of God this is unacceptable. God has called us to live full and joyous lives. How can I please God when I am burning with contempt against someone? Worse still, garnering disdain for a brother or sister in Christ? 
I needed this wake up call. The only way to get over this is to humble oneself before those who have hurt you and ask for forgiveness. It's time to get out of the desert.~~~