Weekly Devotion - #6

Read: Ephesians 4:24-32

ROOT OF BITTERNESS

Many families, lives, and ministries have been destroyed by bitterness. What does the Bible say about bitterness? "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). Weeds grow naturally and are hard to destroy. It does no good to cut them off at the top. If you want to destroy weeds, you must pull up the roots. Bitterness is called "root of bitterness springing up." It will continually grow if it is not destroyed. Bitterness will then grow larger and larger and destroy many. "Many be defiled."

Bitterness in the family - Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them" (Colossians 3:19). The home is not a place for strife and bitterness. When the home is not right then nothing is right. There should be no bitterness in your family.

Bitterness in the church - "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish" (James 3:14-15). An easy way to kill a church quickly is to have members with bitterness.

Bitterness in your conversation - "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter"? (James 3:11). What you say is evidence of what is in your heart.

How to become better and not bitter - Don't let bitterness control and consume you. The bitter person is the one who is hurt the most. "Let all bitterness, and wrath...and evil speaking, be put away from you..." (Ephesians 4:31).

Forgiveness will kill bitterness. When two people are in disagreement one must be willing to forgive. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14-15). Peter asked how many times should we forgive, seven times? Jesus told him not only seven but seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22). The Jewish tradition was to forgive three times, so Peter doubled this and added one for grace. The Lord surprised him with an answer to forgive 490 times. How many times has God forgiven you? Think about it. [TGC]

THOT: Don't become bitter - become better.

TODAY: Has someone done wrong to you? Forgive them today.

This lesson is from  30 Heart Touching Devotions available from SWM.

You have permission to copy for personal and church use.