The Root of Bitterness

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:15). The root of bitterness is underground; it is easy to hide and camouflage. Seldom do you find anyone who will admit that they are a bitter person. They will either deny it or disguise it. Have you ever had to deal with bitterness in your own heart. I know I have and the scary thing is just when I think I've conquered it, it rears its ugly head. Bitterness typically takes root when someone has wronged you. I have found myself repeatedly having to deal with bitterness towards an individual whose poor leadership and misguided reasonings negatively effected me.

A response of bitterness, however, is never right when someone has done something wrong to you. As believers we must look beyond the seen to the unseen. God is sovereignly working in all of our circumstances to bring about His purpose for us. This, of course, includes the less than desirable circumstances we may experience.

So, what are we to do? Paul writes, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Adrian Rogers wrote, "If someone has wronged you, cut it down and forget it. By the grace of God, bury that hurt in the grave of God's forgetfulness." The expectation for believers is that we be thankful and forgive.

But what if that root of bitterness tries to rear its ugly head from time to time. Well, reaffirm your gratitude to God and your forgiveness of the one who wronged you. Then take a lesson from 1 Samuel 15 and the story of Agag--hack that root to pieces; kill it! You will discover that your life is more joyful when you uproot & kill your bitterness.