Apostolic Friends Forum - The Root of Bitterness

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The Root of Bitterness

The Root of Bitterness

TGIF Today God is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, November 03 2010

"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

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.

Re: The Root of Bitterness

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 983093)

One of the best things about being a follower of Jesus is learning to live by this kind of principle.
Thanks for posting.

Re: The Root of Bitterness

I needed this. Thanks.

Re: The Root of Bitterness

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 983093)

The Root of Bitterness

TGIF Today God is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, November 03 2010

"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

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.

Excellent, Renda! :thumbsup

When we're at the crossroads, we have the option to choose grace, which, as always, is a path to freedom! I love it!

Re: The Root of Bitterness

Sometimes, you just have to take the bitter with the sweet. Some of the most delicious dishes contain both. Would you drink a glass of lemonade without lemon?