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Root Out Bitterness

Christ4Ever

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Oct 26, 2007
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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. Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Though salvation is entirely a gift of God, our sanctification—growth in grace—takes effort on our part. The warning above is tucked into a while paragraph of commands: “Work at living in peace,” “work at living a holy life,” “look after each other,” “make sure that no one is immoral or godless” (Hebrews 12:14-16).

Most of us, at some time, have wrestled with that “poisonous root of bitterness.” Maybe we were cheated in a business deal. Maybe we felt disrespected by our wife or kids or someone at church. Maybe we just expected life to turn out better---and that noxious root begins to stir deep inside, trying to break through the surface of our loves.

The writer of Hebrews would say, “Stop!” Though our life is a soil and circumstances the seed, we don’t have to cultivate bitterness. Don’t water the seed by consciously replaying offenses. Don’t fertilize it with thoughts of getting even. If that bitterness does take root, use the sharp edge of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12) to hack it to pieces.

The responsibility is ours. God will gladly assist, but the duty of obedience falls squarely on each of us. By choosing to do right, we help ourselves and avoid “corrupting many.” This is serious!

Prayer: Father, I want to grow the fruit of Your Spirit, not the noxious weeds of bitterness.
 
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