Root of Bitterness

Bitterness is known in the Bible as spiritual poison and a means by which many are defiled (Hebrews 12:15). It is the source of countless spiritual and physical problems in millions of lives today. The Bible tells us that MANY are defiled by the means of bitterness. Bitterness can be tricky to recognize because it’s not a symptom or visible on the surface like anger usually is. Many claim that they aren’t an angry or hateful person, but that’s not what bitterness is all about. Bitterness is an underlying problem that doesn’t always manifest on the outside, but dwells in that person’s system.

Bitterness is a root!

Hebrews 12:15, “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.”

What is a root? A root is a source, or a bubbling fountain that is laying under the surface. Roots do not directly manifest or make themselves known, but are a source of nutrition or fuel for other elements that are on the surface. You don’t usually see a plant showing off it’s root system, but if the plant didn’t have a root system it wouldn’t survive. A root’s job is not to manifest on the surface, but to brew under the surface and fuel things that are on the surface.

Let’s take a closer look at a plants root system… where does the roots dwell? Under the surface of the soil. Can everybody see it’s root system? No, because it’s hidden under the soil or surface. The same is true with bitterness in a person’s soul. It is a hidden element that lies under the surface, and out of it springs up anger and other negative emotions against others and against the circumstances around us. People who have a root of bitterness find it easy to get upset over things that other’s are doing around them. It’s like a brewing fountain that lies beneath the surface, waiting to fuel something that is on the surface.

When you are offended or disappointed by others and allow the hurt to germinate in your heart, bitterness and resentment will take root. Characterized by an unforgiving spirit and generally negative, critical attitudes, bitterness and resentment are sinful and self-defeating. They will color your conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions. Allowed to fester, they will destroy and kill (Galatians 5:19-21). However, they can be dispelled with love.

What Scripture Says

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 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 12:14,15).

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31,32).

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (I Peter 2:23).

“Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34).

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14,15).

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:14-21).

Bible Examples of Bitterness

• Women are bitter because they cannot have children, (1 Sam 1:10).
• A foolish son is bitterness to his mother, (Prov. 17:25).
• Divine discipline (chastisement) of the Jewish people caused bitterness. This demonstrates the weakness and failure of the people. Bitterness destroyed the people’s spiritual lives. The Jews brought on self-destruction by their bitterness.
  (Lamemtations. 1:4; Amos 8:10; Ezekiel. 27:30; Isaiah. 33:7; 2 Kings 14:26). 
• Slavery causes bitterness, Exo. 1:14.3.
• Suffering causes bitterness to people who do not understand problem solving devices, principles, and give number one priority to relationship with God. (Deut. 32:24).
• Ridicule is a source of bitterness, (Lamentation 3:14). The people ridiculed Jeremiah because of their bitterness toward him. When truth is taught, people react in bitterness.
• Consummate human pride is a cause of bitterness, (Acts 8:23).
• Degeneracy is a source of bitterness, (Rom. 3:14).
• Cosmic involvement is a source of bitterness, (Eph 4:31).
• Husbands and wives are a source of bitterness toward each other, (Col 3:19).

The Results of Bitterness

• Bitterness is antisocial. A bitter person is selfish, inconsiderate of others, withdrawn from society, indifferent or adverse to conformity with conventional standards of social behavior. Even strangers avoid bitter people, (Prov. 14:10). No one is happy around bitter people.
• Bitterness is a sign of the fragmented life, (Jer. 2:19).
• A bitter person rejects Bible teaching. (James 3:14), “But if you have bitter jealousy and strife, stop being arrogant and lying against the truth.”
• Bitterness shows total lack of grace orientation. A bitter person does not understand the Plan of God, let alone how it affects individuals. In Job. 9:17-18, Job’s complaint against God. “Why does God let this happen to me”, is a statement of bitterness.
• Bitterness accompanies the sin unto death, Job. 21:25.
• Bitterness motivates complaining, (Job 7:11, 10:1). People who habitually complain are bitter people; they have no self esteem.
• Bitterness motivates gossip, (Psalm 64:3)
• Bitterness fragments other people’s lives. (Heb 12:15), “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by it, many be defiled.
• Bitterness is self induced misery, and it produces chain sinning. Bitterness is misery to others in the periphery. But two wrongs never make a right. You cannot build your happiness on someone else’s unhappiness.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and Resentment

Life depression and other emotional stress, bitterness and resentment can aggravate or cause physical problems. You can be affected mentally, spiritually and otherwise. Your relationships will always suffer.

God can free you from this sin. It is an oppressive and destructive emotion having its root in hate, which is likened to murder. You must repent. No one can have peace and happiness with such emotions tearing at him. If you have not done so, ask God to forgive you and to come into your life right now. He will deliver you from the power of the enemy (Psalm 91:3).

As a Christian ask God to forgive you for being bitter and resentful. Then ask Him to forgive anyone who may have hurt you, and toward whom you are bitter or resentful, even as He forgives you. And also as a human try to look for opportunities to demonstrate love to the person who offended you.

God forgives and forgets sin. However, you may have made your best effort to forgive and forget and find that you cannot. God can help you to cleanse your memory. Instead of remembering with malice and hurt, remember with forgiveness. Go one step further and ask God to forgive your offender. By forgiving and then asking God to forgive your offender, you release God to bless you and the other person.

Prayer:

Father, I acknowledge that I’ve held resentment and bitterness against ………………. I confess this as sin and ask you to forgive me. I forgive……………….  Remind me, Lord, to not hold any more resentments, but rather to love this person. Father, I ask you to also forgive ………………. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.