“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” – Hebrews 12:15 (KJV).
If one fails to watch his soul, a root of bitterness can develop over time as a result of life’s issues. There are many things that confront us on daily basis that could make us bitter. We are faced with temptations, confronted with trials, delays, denials, disappointments and crisis of life that threaten to rob us of our hope and faith. One could be pressed to the wall by uncomplimentary comments from people and unreasonable men that one could lose self-control. There are arrows and darts from the satanic wickedness that we have to contend with on daily basis. Apostle Paul prayed that we be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men, for all men have not faith (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
We live in a world of people with different characters. A generation that is sold out to do evil. All forms of ungodliness and abuse of power, privilege and positions are witnessed on daily basis. We see abundance of wickedness, selfishness and greed especially in these last days that men are lovers of themselves more than lovers of God. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” – 1John 5:19 (KJV).
The responsibility of protecting the heart from bitterness is that of every Christian and this should be taken seriously so that root of bitterness will not develop in our hearts. If allowed to develop, it will trouble us. We are admonished to guard our hearts with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life (Proverb 4:23). There is the need for constant renewal of the mind to constantly flush out all negative thoughts that could cause pain and bitterness. Job spoke in anguish of spirit and complained in the bitterness of his soul. His circumstances and afflictions as well as his friends who judged and condemned him made him bitter (Job 7:11). Their words were like arrows in his heart because they gave him the impression that he was reaping the fruit of his sins of the past.
We are not always in a position to decide what happens to us or what people do to us or say to us or how others treat us. But one thing is sure, we are in position to determine our reactions or responses. We must endeavour to close the door against bitterness.
PRAYER: Lord, heal every hurt in my soul and replace bitterness with joy in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu