Deadly roots of bitterness
Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Hebrews 12:15
There is a deadly sin called bitterness, and today's key verse indicates that bitterness can take root and continue to grow. The fruit of this tree is poisonous because it destroys relationships with people, especially with God, as well as tormenting our souls.
An unforgiving spirit breeds bitterness when emotional wounds, offenses, and disappointments are untreated. When it takes root, it will produce other poisonous fruits such as hatred, self-pity, pride, and implacability, which is a form of stubbornness and hardness of heart that does not want a truce and is relentless in hostility. Bitterness is a longstanding resentment that refuses to be reconciled.
A bitter person tends to have a sharp tongue that can sabotage relationships. The Greek word for bitterness is “Pikros,” which means piercing and sharp, whereas picric acid, derived from this Greek word, is explosive. Whenever we speak with the bitterness spirit, even if we don't actually throw erosive acid on others, we hurt them with our sharp tongue, an evil device to harm and kill people emotionally and spiritually.
Even worse, bitterness blocks the Holy Spirit's work and chokes God's love. When bitterness's root goes unaddressed, implacability grows. When a person grows bitter, their hearts will turn cold and hard, and they eventually justify that they can give up on God or even rationally keep their faith, but inside, their relationship with God is dead, and this is why this sin has deadly consequences. Therefore, don't take bitterness lightly; we must uproot and eliminate it all (Ephesians 4:31).
Forgiveness is the key to uprooting bitterness. It is a decision that we release grudges, unjust feelings, and resentment towards God. The person who refuses to forgive is like imprisoning themselves inside an emotional concentration camp so the enemy can torment them freely. Here is the solemn truth: "We are not forgiven by God if we refuse to forgive others. (Matthew 6:15)
As the Spirit convicts us to forgive, we can release all negative emotions to God. This will enable us to uproot the tree of bitterness and its poisonous fruit, so that we can grow the tree of life, whose fruit is sweet, wholesome, and life-giving.
Blessing prayer: May the spirit uproot bitterness and eliminate all deadly fruits. With love and forgiveness, we destroy the roots of bitterness and receive spiritual freedom, life and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen
