“A Root of Bitterness” Bitterness is a destructive thing; every bit as deadly as cancer.  The Bible warns us against allowing a root of bitterness to take hold in our lives: “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” (Hebrews 12:15).  Scripture describes bitterness as having a “root;” once it grows in a person’s life, it is very difficult  to pluck out and kill.  A root system is very deep, spreading and penetrating large areas of the ground.  According to the above scripture, bitterness cannot only hurt us, but it can spread its poison to others and damage them as well. How does a root of bitterness get a stronghold in one’s heart?  When a person is hurt and deeply offended (that’s about all of us at one time or another), the hurt needs to be dealt with  as God prescribes in His word.  Otherwise, unforgiveness will fester and spread until it infects the heart, mind , spirit and body .  God commands us to forgive others or He will not forgive us our sins.  After teaching His disciples the Lord’s prayer, Jesus said, “ For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14,15).  Forgiveness is the antiseptic required to apply to the wound of offense to keep it from festering into bitterness. There are many times when the hurt is so deep and the  offense so great that we may find it nearly impossible to let it go.  This is where we need a revelation of how we, in our sin and rebellion, have deeply grieved and offended  a holy, loving God.  He did not leave us in our sin, but sent His only begotten Son to die for us so that we could experience God’s mercy and forgiveness.  If Jesus Christ, sinless and blameless, took upon Himself our punishment to rescue us from damnation,  how can we refuse to forgive, setting ourselves up as better than He?   When we truly understand the awful price that Jesus paid to wash away our guilt and the love that compelled Him to lay down His life for us, we can then understand His command that we also should forgive.  If you are struggling with a deep hurt, ask Jesus to give you His ability to forgive that person so that you can be set free from the trap of bitterness.  No one and no offense is worth going to hell over.  That’s why Hebrews 12:15 says, “see that no one comes SHORT OF THE GRACE OF GOD.” When we refuse to forgive, we’re cutting ourselves off from the mercy and grace of God.  I have finally realized that I need all of His grace and mercy that I can possibly contain! Proverbs 14:10 states that “The heart knows its own bitterness….”  If we want a spiritual checklist to see if we are harboring bitterness, here are some of the characteristics of a bitter person:  A bitter person shows a lack of concern for others, they’re sensitive and touchy, ungrateful, and stubborn with a sulky attitude.  They’re openly rebellious, seeking like company to encourage each other in their rebellion and bitterness.  They defend their wrong actions while pointing the finger to condemn others.  Bitter people experience mood extremes and hold grudges for a long time.  Because they are consumed with anger, there is a lack of joy and peace in their lives.  If we read the Bible, the light of scripture will shine on our hearts, exposing every wicked way within us.  After honest introspection, if we find bitterness in our hearts, there is only one way out of this pit….call on Jesus and He will make all things new.  Let’s pray:  “Dear Jesus, forgive me of my sin and rebellion against You.  Please save me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit.  I repent of selfishly living my own way.  Now I want to live for You.  Thank You for dying for me so that I may live with You forever in heaven.  Please help me to show mercy to others as you have extended mercy to me. Take away my anger and judgments, and baptize me in your unconditional love.  Amen.”