Bible Reading: Job 20; HEB. 12:9-18.
“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)
This world is full of challenges. When you overcome one you rejoice but then another challenge springs up very shortly. This is why the Holy Spirit tells you in 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV): “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Hence the Lord Jesus also told us that there must be offences but we should be careful not to be the cause. Matthew 18:7 (KJV): “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!”
When one offends you and you refuse to forgive, there are a number of things that occur in you: This often leads to sin of disobedience against God as his word teaches us to forgive those who trespass against us. ( Matt 6:14-15). Over time the sin may lead to hate against the person which may lead to a new offence against him. Gradually, your unforgiveness will make you become bitter towards the person. Such bitterness will defile you and distance you from God. That’s why Hebrews 12:15 (KJV): “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”. Such defilement will lead to loss of communion with God, delayed answers to prayers, may cause sicknesses and diseases thus making you, the offended, more of a victim than a victor!
A good way of avoiding bitterness therefore is to ensure you forgive any offender as soon as the offence occurs. No wonder the bible says in Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV): “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. This is how important it is to forgive.”
Prayer: Father, remove every root of bitterness in me and I hereby forgive all those who have trespassed against me in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero