By Pastor Steve Nickodemus
The Root of Bitterness
“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;”
Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)
A root can be a surprisingly powerful agent as seen by this whole sidewalk pushed up by tree roots. The writer of Hebrews warns us that if someone “fails to obtain the grace of God”, a root of bitterness can spring up and cause trouble. This trouble can damage the person who has become bitter and many others around them.
What causes a person to become bitter and angry and revengeful? When a person has been hurt by someone and instead of forgiving that person they store up the offense and hope for evil to happen to the person who hurt them. Over time the bitterness becomes destructive, bringing harshness and acidity in all the offended person’s dealing with others. Often you can actually see this bitterness displayed in a person’s face!
How can you keep bitterness from taking over your life? When others hurt you, instead of dwelling upon the sin committed against you, pray for the person who hurt you and commend that person to the forgiveness won by our Lord Jesus Christ. When sinned against terribly, Jesus said from the cross, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” On that cross Jesus paid the price for our sins. He won forgiveness for you and me. Surely, if Jesus won forgiveness for me, canceling all the penalty of my sin, I can forgive others.
When you are tempted to hold a grudge, to take up an offense, use the axe of grace to chop away any root of bitterness. Live in the forgiveness and peace that comes through our Lord Jesus, who when cursed by others, blessed them. May God grant you grace to live in forgiveness and peace through Jesus! Amen!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado
