The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage or friendships, the strategy is the same.

A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.

When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.

Breaking satan’s foothold requires at least one person to press into God’s grace. It cannot happen when either party “feels” like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving.

None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party.

It is only obedience that allows God’s grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.

The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself.

Choose grace instead of bitterness.

Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

by Os Hillman

9 Responses to The Root of Bitterness

  1. Hugh says:

    watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles

    person who stirs up division, warn them once

    go and tell them, between you and them alone.

    If they listen to you, you have gained your brother/sister.

    But if they do not listen, take two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

    If they still don’t listen- have nothing more to do with them, knowing that such a person is warped ; they are self-condemned.

  2. Phillip says:

    Amen! God doesn’t go away from us..we move away from him at times in our lives. By turning around and running back into His open arms again, we become renewed children in His kingdom. Blessed are the little children, for they can see the true Kingdom of God…we all need to become His children every day.

  3. Paul Choo says:

    I made the mistake to judge and condemn myself, I repent and obey God or reap the consequences Rom 2:1

  4. peter says:

    This message is mine. I really need the grace of God to overcome anger. It is a strong determinant of bitterness. It has affected me that I have lost some of my close friends. May God helP us all

  5. Darlene says:

    It is so easy to let that ugly root to get planted. I am learning, yes learning, it’s easier to yank it out immediately rather than let it fester and become hard and difficult to pull up.

  6. may ann bretana says:

    thanks for the timely messages here… God bless!

  7. may ann bretana says:

    Very true. Sometimes it’s not easy to forgive, but with God nothing is impossible:)

  8. Brenda McLaine says:

    This is so true. This has happened in my family and it’s only by the grace of God and believing what His word says that we are able to accomplish this.

  9. allan says:

    This is God’s grace and .mercy I am going through this right now bitter and don’t feel like forgiving but I know I must if I want God forgiveness .Thank you and God Blessing.

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