Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. (Hebrews 12:15).
The problem of bitterness was so prevalent and cancerous that we are warned about it here in God's Word.
What is bitterness? It is what happens when we stew over a hurt, perceived slight, or cutting remark. It is when we replay an event in our head over and over until we are obsessed with the wrong that we believe we were forced to endure. It could be a job firing, a remark that caught someone on a bad day, an inheritance you feel was unfairly distributed, a person who refused to talk to you, a spouse who did (or didn't do something) that you believe was meant to hurt you.
When we cherish bitterness, it poisons our outlook. It keeps people from the church. It is a sign that you do not believe "God will vindicate the righteous." We have overlooked the concept of forgiveness and grace. We are quick to let ourselves "off the hook" in those situations. God calls us to show that same kind of understanding to others.
If bitterness is poisoning your life, you can restore your joy through forgiveness.
The Paralyzing Power of Bitterness 9.14.21
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. (Hebrews 12:15).
The problem of bitterness was so prevalent and cancerous that we are warned about it here in God's Word.
What is bitterness? It is what happens when we stew over a hurt, perceived slight, or cutting remark. It is when we replay an event in our head over and over until we are obsessed with the wrong that we believe we were forced to endure. It could be a job firing, a remark that caught someone on a bad day, an inheritance you feel was unfairly distributed, a person who refused to talk to you, a spouse who did (or didn't do something) that you believe was meant to hurt you.
When we cherish bitterness, it poisons our outlook. It keeps people from the church. It is a sign that you do not believe "God will vindicate the righteous." We have overlooked the concept of forgiveness and grace. We are quick to let ourselves "off the hook" in those situations. God calls us to show that same kind of understanding to others.
If bitterness is poisoning your life, you can restore your joy through forgiveness.