The Bitter Root

As the holiday season begins, we at Devotionals Daily thought it might be good to do a little preemptive heart check before we set the table, prepare meals, and plan visits with extended family and with friends. If there are painful messes, annoyances that have built up into grudges, or any upset feelings at all between you and anyone else, get with the Lord and work through it before the turkey is served. Start this beautiful season of thanksgiving, celebrating the birth of King Jesus, and ringing in 2014 full of God’s grace and ready for joy!

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

How dare she ask this of me? I reread her email, which fueled my fury. Rather than reply immediately, I decided to forward the note to my husband for his advice. Any words I would’ve written to her directly would not have been kind.

Bitterness took root as I typed, and I spewed out my frustration. When I finished, I reviewed my message with great satisfaction. I’d expressed myself well to a safe person. Then I pressed send.

In that moment, I glanced at the to box. I was horrified when I realized I’d hit reply instead of forward. My heart sank. All my hurtful words and anger were now en route to her, not my husband.

I felt sick. What should I do? I picked up the phone and called my husband at work. We both agreed I needed to email her, explain what happened, and ask forgiveness. It was the hardest email I’ve ever written.

Her gracious response astounded me. She thanked me for my apology and closed her response with these words: “I forgive you, so let’s just put this behind us.”

Her words of forgiveness melted the bitterness that had consumed my heart just an hour before. I’m sure she was hurt. My words were harsh. Yet she chose to overlook and pardon my offense.

It’s easy to forget that we have choices when we’re offended. We can surrender our hurt or hold on to our hurt. We can extend grace or harbor bitterness.

Bitterness is like poison that infects our lives. The author of Hebrews compares bitterness to a root that overtakes our hearts and causes trouble in many other areas of our lives (Hebrews 12:15). Although our feelings of bitterness, anger, and resentment may seem justified, they are not.

Instead, they’re hurtful and destructive — to ourselves as well as to those we direct our bitterness towards. God’s Word teaches us to forgive and instructs us not to let the sun go down while we’re angry. When we do, we give the devil a place to work in our hearts and relationships. Instead of allowing the enemy room to plant relational weeds between us, my friend chose forgiveness, extended grace, and prevented a bitter root from taking hold.

She became a living example of the apostle Paul’s words to the believers at Ephesus: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Her wise example helped me move beyond my anger. My friend’s gracious decision modeled humility. Her choice to forgive salvaged our friendship and changed how I react toward others who offend me. From that day forward, I’ve prayed that God’s grace would flow through me, leaving no room for bitter roots.

Dear Lord, search my heart. See if there is any bitterness in me. Lead me to forgiveness. Enable me through the power of Your Holy Spirit to let go of all bitterness and to extend Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Choosing forgiveness is the only way to prevent a bitter root from taking hold in your heart and growing.

REFLECT

Is there someone against whom you harbor unforgiveness? What is it that keeps you from being able to forgive this person?

POWER VERSES

Colossians 3:13; Romans 12:9

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Your Turn

RESPOND Review the verses shared in this devotion. Prayerfully ask God what your next step is with this person you feel resentment toward. Ask Him to equip you to take that first step before Thanksgiving Day, and then take it. Now is the perfect time to move from unforgiveness to gratitude for family & friends! We would love to hear from you! Please, come join the conversation on our blog! ~ Devotionals Daily