The Root Of Bitterness.

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up and causes you trouble, or many of you will become defiled.” Heb. 12:15. 

There are two shopkeepers who  were bitter rivals. Their stores were directly across the street from each other, and they would spend each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile in triumph at his rival. They were continually at each other's jugular. One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. Would you be rich? You can be very rich, but he will be twice as wealthy. Do you wish to live a long and healthy life? You can, but his life will be longer and healthier. What is your desire?” The man frowned, thought for a long while, he suddenly responded and then said, “Here is my request: Strike me blind in one eye!” 

This is no doubt rivalry and bitterness taken too far. The Bible warns against bitterness because it's a spiritual poison that defiles, hardens hearts, damages relationships, hinders prayer, blocks God's blessings, and separates people from His grace, leading to spiritual poverty and preventing true joy, peace, and closeness with God. It's rooted in unresolved anger and hurt, making people focus on others' wrongs while ignoring their own, and it requires forgiveness and walking in the Spirit to overcome. From our text, It acts like a poisonous root that spreads and defiles many. Unforgiveness, resentment and bitter rivalry has the capacity to make prayers ineffective and one's life very ineffective.

Everyone in the scripture who yielded himself to selfish and bitter rivalry ended up terribly. Never allow yourself to become a prey of such careless living. Cain, was one of the first people in the bible who became resentful and murdered his brother Abel. Did you notice that Cain never eventually amounted to anything worthwhile, even though he succeeded in killing brother, he never succeeded in destiny. Why win the rivalry and lose your destiny.

The older brother in the parable of the prodigal son, who resented his sibling's welcome with deep bitterness and resentment serves as a learning curve for you and I why we must never allow bitterness set in. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“Be alert so there is no man, woman, family, or a tribe whose heart is turning away from the LORD your God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Be alert so there will be no root among you that produces poisonous and bitter fruit.” Deaut. 29:18.

“Instead, their vine is from the vines of Sodom and the vineyards of Gomorrah. Their grapes are poisonous, their clusters bitter.” Deaut. 32:32.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, help me against rivalry, bitterness, and anger. I acknowledge that these emotions can poison the heart and prevent a believer from experiencing the fullness of Your peace and joy. Your Word warns against it, Lord, I cannot change my heart on my own;  I pray that You would expose and surgically remove every root of bitterness, envy, and self-interest that has taken hold in my life. Cleanse me from all unforgiveness and the hurt of past wounds. Grant the grace to forgive: Empower me with the grace and strength to forgive those who have wronged me. I choose to release them from my heart and place them in Your capable hands in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Gen. 24:1-67.

Gen. 24:1-34.

Gen. 25:1-35.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Bitter Rivalry Is Like Cancer It Does You No Good, Don't Embrace It.”