◄ What Does Hebrews 12:15 Mean? ►

The Word of God tells us that if we allow bitterness to creep into our hearts and if we become bound up in resentment, discontent, acrimony, and grudges against others, we come short of the grace of God and have allowed the ungodly characteristic of bitterness to sink its deadly root into our heart. This bitterness defiles us before the Lord and causes no end of trouble in our own lives and in the lives of others too.

Bitterness is a sin of the flesh that too often manifests itself in bitter words, poisonous lips, and cursing mouths. We are warned in God's Word to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice, for when the root of bitterness is allowed to fester and develop, it results in much trouble: "And by it many are defiled."

We are warned that foolish sons not only bring grief to their father but also they bring bitterness to their mother. Husbands are instructed not to become bitter against their wives. Indeed, all Christians are warned against the pernicious growth of bitterness in their heart which is a destructive cancer that infects every area of our Christian life, including our fellowship with our Heavenly Father and our relationship with our fellow man.

Bitterness has been described as a slow poison which grieves the Spirit of God, gives place to the enemy of our soul, and causes us to come short of God's grace and His will for our lives.

How important to examine ourselves to see if bitterness is being nurtured in our own hearts. Let us take this warning seriously and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God in Christ forgave us. Let us therefore be imitators of God as dear children, walking in love as Christ also has loved us and gave Himself for us.

Heavenly Father, search my heart, oh God, and help me to identify any seeds of bitterness that may be lurking within. There may be bitterness from recent events in my life or from things that happened long ago, but the bitterness still remains in my heart. Lord, by your grace please root out this bitterness and replace it with Your grace and forgiveness, mercy and kindness. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.