The Root Of Bitterness

"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

Being hurt by someone you love can really break your heart. It's especially hard if that person is someone who you thought loved you unconditionally. Forgiving that person is not always easy. But it is always best.

I was just talking to some ladies about forgiveness and I liked what one said. She mentioned that forgiveness has layers. Each layer is different and releases a different level of forgiveness.

We all know that we've been called to forgive because Jesus forgives us and died on the cross for our sins. Jesus even said, and I paraphrase here, but who are we do not forgive people, when He forgave us of so much. Ya know?

You see, when you don't forgive, bitterness can take root. Bitterness is something that the enemy loves to use. 

He will remind you constantly of the hurt you are enduring... how they hurt you, what they said, what they did, etc. Just so you stay in an unsettled state of unforgiveness.

Then, the root grows and next thing you know, you are bitter. Have you ever met someone who is negative, not happy, mean, and just not fun to be around? Chances are, they are bitter about something. They've allowed that incident to control the rest of their lives.

Forgiveness does not mean that what happened to you doesn't matter. Because it totally does matter. 

Forgiveness does not mean that this person is getting away with something horrible. Because they aren't.

Forgiveness does not mean that you have to let that person back in your life the way they were. Because you don't.

Forgiveness is really for you. It's you releasing that person to God so that He can deal with them, and you being free to live your life. 

Do you have the root of bitterness in your heart? Way not pray and ask God to dig it out today?

You will be so glad you did! Your life will change! Things will look different and your joy will be restored. 

Father God, I pray for everyone who has unforgiveness and or bitterness in their hearts. Help them give that to you. Help them release that person to you and let it go in their heart. Help them to see the truth that forgiveness is really for them, not the person who hurt them. I pray for peace and joy to be restored once the bitterness is gone. I ask that you will help everyone who struggles with this, because being free is so much better. In Jesus name, amen.

God bless you today and always!