Cut Off Roots Of Bitterness: Hebrews 12:14-17
“14) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15) See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16) that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17) For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” Hebrews 12:14-17
These verses warn against the danger of bitterness. It is better to pursue peace with people rather than conflict. We all have reasons to get angry and hold grudges, but it will become like a cancer within us. It will eat at us from the inside.
Verse 15 seems to indicate that when we are wronged for whatever reason, God makes His grace available for us to forgive and let go. If we resist that grace, a root of bitterness can spring up within us and begin deadly inner decay.
Bitterness affects us spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. I have talked to numerous doctors who believe anger and bitterness negatively affects our immune system. Over the years I have seen many people improve in area’s of physical health by walking through forgiveness.
Bitterness is contagious. Others can be defiled by our bitterness. We quickly take on the offenses of a bitter person and despise others. God does not give grace for second bitterness. It’s amazing how many relationships are destroyed by gossip and exaggerated stories. Always listen to both sides of the story. A root of bitterness can defile many people because it distorts truth.
Verse 16 seems to indicate that bitterness can feed ungodliness and immorality. Esau became very immoral and ungodly, but his root problem was bitterness. His bitterness shipwrecked his whole life. Take heed!
Both Ephesians 4:26-27 and 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 connects anger and unforgiveness to Satan’s schemes. Anger gives Satan a foothold in our lives. Deal quickly with your anger or you will have inner wars in your life that will be devastating. Anger and bitterness are Satan’s playgrounds. Freedom comes when you cut off every root of bitterness in your life. Forgiveness can start an amazing healing process.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
