“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” Heb. 12:15.
God created us as human beings to be emotional. One of the most challenging areas in our Christian life is understanding and properly controlling our emotions. I have met Christians who are very prayerful and knowledgeable about the word of God yet very reckless in managing their emotions. It’s important that we learn which emotional response is a sin and which is not. Some emotional responses are wrong because of what they do to us and to those we encounter in our daily lives. One of those emotions is bitterness. Those specialising in human behaviour and mental wellness consider it to be one of the most destructive and toxic human emotions. That is mainly because bitterness generally comes from allowing the emotions of anger and hate—and in some cases, fear and jealousy—to linger in our lives over a period of time.
Bitterness has the power to destroy us from within and can negatively impact those around us in many ways. God knew this would be a significant problem for humanity. That’s why there are several scriptures in the Bible that deal with it in some form and even prescribe ways to overcome it. Bitterness often begins with a hurt inflicted on us by another person or circumstance. Hurts that breed bitterness can start at a very early age, especially when they are inflicted by a family member. For example, parents’ imperfect discipline or sins can cause hurts that haunt their children for many years.
Sometimes hurts come through failed relationships with others or setting the bar too high in our lives. This can even happen in our relationship with God. Instead of seeking and understanding His way, sometimes we get so focused on our own wants and desires that we feel hurt and believe we are being treated unfairly when God doesn’t give us those things. Bitterness is the opposite of God’s way of thinking, and it can take us away from God. Bitterness defiles because it is a sin that can linger in our lives and separate us from God. It removes holiness and peace of mind from our lives. There can never be a justification for bitterness, don’t accept it. Our text is a clear warning, see it from New Living Translation “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” deal with bitterness, don’t allow it to engulf you.
FURTHER READING:
“Beware that the heart of no man, woman, clan, or tribe among you turns away from the LORD our God today to pursue and serve the gods of those nations; beware that there is among you no root producing poisonous and bitter fruit.” Deut. 29:18.
“Now because we are fellow workers, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 Cor. 6:1.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for the ministry of Your word spoken over my life. I confess the Lordship of Jesus over my life and all that concerns me. I confess prosperity in my life and family. I proclaim enlargement and increase on every side. I do not give room for hurt and bitterness in me. I receive the grace and courage to always deal with issues in God’s ways. I declare the glory of the Lord has risen upon me and my family. I declare that Your word is bearing tangible and enduring fruits in my life in the name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Psalms. 78:1-72.
Psalms. 79:1-13.
Psalms. 80:1-19.
Psalms. 81:1-16.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“You May Never Be Able To Change Your Life Until You Can Change Your Routine.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria.
http://www.thefortresschurch.com.
email: info@thefortresschurch.com.
