“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)
As I read the scripture for today printed above, I began to question, “What is a root of bitterness”? This verse from Hebrews makes known that a “root of bitterness” can cause “trouble” and “many to become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). By the wording of this verse, the author has seen this type of sin “spring up” before. He desired that this not occur among Christian communities. Pondering the meaning of this root of bitterness, I looked up what Biblical scholars had written about it. The Believer’s Bible Commentary noted with this verse that a person who retains this bitterness, “turns sour against the Lord and later repudiates the Christian faith. His defection is contagious. Others are defiled by his complaints, doubts, and denials”. The Oxford Bible Commentary notes Deuteronomy 29:17-18, adding that this bitterness produces “apostasy”, an abandonment of faith in God. Essentially, the root of bitterness causes a person to give up true faith, blame God, doubt the will of God, and reject faithful living. What might cause you to develop a “root of bitterness”?
Adrian Rogers wrote on oneplace.com that the root of bitterness begins when you are hurt intentionally or unintentionally. That, then, develops into hostility of all sorts that affects not only you, but those around you. He wrote: “The world is full of people who have not dealt with an old hurt. They look for things to criticize, people to find fault with, and ways to justify the way they feel. Have you ever seen people who are hypercritical? Generally, they are bitter people. They know how to push your hot buttons until you react in a way to further justify their bitterness. Then, they can say, "Aha! I was right. I have a right to be bitter."” Based on his explanation, the onset of bitterness is a hurt that is not worked out with God. It is an emotional or spiritual pain that festers. The initial hurt that causes bitterness may be caused by a traumatic event or a betrayal. It is important when you experience such a situation that you immediately find ways to work it out with God.
Bruce Goodrich was being initiated into the cadet corps at Texas A & M University. One night, Bruce was forced to run until he dropped—but he never got up. Bruce Goodrich died before he even entered college.
A short time after the tragedy, Bruce’s father wrote this letter to the administration, faculty, student body, and the corps of cadets:
“I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great outpouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A & M University and the college community over the loss of our son Bruce. We were deeply touched by the tribute paid to him in the battalion. We were particularly pleased to note that his Christian witness did not go unnoticed during his brief time on campus.”
Mr. Goodrich went on: “I hope it will be some comfort to know that we harbor no ill will in the matter. We know our God makes no mistakes. Bruce had an appointment with his Lord and is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, ‘Why did this happen?’ perhaps one answer will be, ‘So that many will consider where they will spend eternity. ‘“ (Our Daily Bread, March 22, 1994”
Instead of harboring ill-will and bitterness at the death of his precious son, Bruce’s father reached out to respond in love. He gave God the glory. He fostered healing with his words. Because of this, bitterness did not grow among the many suffering at Texas A & M. The grace of God offered through Bruce’s father short-circuited the onset of the root of bitterness.
It is important when you are hurt that you turn to God for help. It is crucial that you do not let your hurt fester and grow into bitterness. If you let a hurt bloom into bitterness, others will be affected by your loss of faith. Evil will find a way to capitalize on that bitterness. The results will always damage lives. God has given us grace and forgiveness and mercy to counteract the root of bitterness. It is vital that you learn to lean upon God’s grace and forgiveness and mercy in order to find true peace and joy again. Otherwise, bitterness will be the final, long-lasting result.
Adrian Rogers wrote on oneplace.com that the root of bitterness begins when you are hurt intentionally or unintentionally. That, then, develops into hostility of all sorts that affects not only you, but those around you. He wrote: “The world is full of people who have not dealt with an old hurt. They look for things to criticize, people to find fault with, and ways to justify the way they feel. Have you ever seen people who are hypercritical? Generally, they are bitter people. They know how to push your hot buttons until you react in a way to further justify their bitterness. Then, they can say, "Aha! I was right. I have a right to be bitter."” Based on his explanation, the onset of bitterness is a hurt that is not worked out with God. It is an emotional or spiritual pain that festers. The initial hurt that causes bitterness may be caused by a traumatic event or a betrayal. It is important when you experience such a situation that you immediately find ways to work it out with God.
Bruce Goodrich was being initiated into the cadet corps at Texas A & M University. One night, Bruce was forced to run until he dropped—but he never got up. Bruce Goodrich died before he even entered college.
A short time after the tragedy, Bruce’s father wrote this letter to the administration, faculty, student body, and the corps of cadets:
“I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great outpouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A & M University and the college community over the loss of our son Bruce. We were deeply touched by the tribute paid to him in the battalion. We were particularly pleased to note that his Christian witness did not go unnoticed during his brief time on campus.”
Mr. Goodrich went on: “I hope it will be some comfort to know that we harbor no ill will in the matter. We know our God makes no mistakes. Bruce had an appointment with his Lord and is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, ‘Why did this happen?’ perhaps one answer will be, ‘So that many will consider where they will spend eternity. ‘“ (Our Daily Bread, March 22, 1994”
Instead of harboring ill-will and bitterness at the death of his precious son, Bruce’s father reached out to respond in love. He gave God the glory. He fostered healing with his words. Because of this, bitterness did not grow among the many suffering at Texas A & M. The grace of God offered through Bruce’s father short-circuited the onset of the root of bitterness.
It is important when you are hurt that you turn to God for help. It is crucial that you do not let your hurt fester and grow into bitterness. If you let a hurt bloom into bitterness, others will be affected by your loss of faith. Evil will find a way to capitalize on that bitterness. The results will always damage lives. God has given us grace and forgiveness and mercy to counteract the root of bitterness. It is vital that you learn to lean upon God’s grace and forgiveness and mercy in order to find true peace and joy again. Otherwise, bitterness will be the final, long-lasting result.