The Sicknewss within

Bitterness:

“as i walked out the door toward the gate that would lead me to freedom, I knew if i didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind i’d still be in prison.” Nelson Mandela

Hebrews 12:15 NIV

15 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.

The Sickness within - Bitterness

Today, I want to talk to you about the theme of roots bitterness.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:15

Hebrews 12:15 NIV

15 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.

Bitterness can easily take root in our hearts when we face disappointment, betrayal, or injustice.

It can cause us to become angry, resentful, and cynical.

It can lead to a downward spiral of negativity that affects not only ourselves but also those around us.

But God's Word warns us not to let bitterness take root in our hearts, because it can have devastating consequences.

So, what can we do to uproot bitterness from our hearts? Let me share with you three points that can help us overcome this struggle.

Ephesians 4:31–32 NIV

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

EX: Saul

Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by God to lead his people. However, over time, Saul became jealous of David, a young warrior who had gained favor with both the people and God. Despite David's loyalty and service to him, Saul's jealousy turned to bitterness, and he began to see David as a threat to his reign.

Saul's bitterness led him to make rash decisions and commit evil acts, such as attempting to kill David and his own son Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 18:8-9, we read that "Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. 'They have credited David with tens of thousands,' he thought, 'but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?' And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David."

Despite his bitterness, God remained faithful to Saul and continued to offer him opportunities to repent and turn back to Him. Sadly, Saul's bitterness ultimately led to his downfall and death in battle.

Saul's story serves as a warning to us all about the dangers of bitterness and jealousy. Like Saul, we must be careful not to allow our own desires and insecurities to cause us to become bitter toward others.

Forgiveness is key

Medical research on the negative effects of bitterness and the positive effects

Studies have shown that bitterness and resentment can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, which can contribute to the development of chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Bitterness has also been linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, forgiveness has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health, including lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved immune function. It has also been associated with better mental health outcomes, including lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.

Overall, medical research supports the idea that bitterness can have negative effects on our health, while forgiveness can have positive effects.

The only way to overcome bitterness is through the power of forgiveness.

First and foremost, we must learn to forgive those who have wronged us.

As difficult as it may be, forgiveness is essential to overcoming bitterness. As the apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:31-32,

Ephesians 4:31–32 NIV

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

The only way to overcome bitterness is through the power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the offense, but it does mean releasing the offender from the debt we think they owe us.

Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice and an act of obedience to God's command.

C.S. Lewis once said: "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

Colossians 3:13 reminds us:

Colossians 3:13 NIV

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Bitterness can damage our relationships with others and with God.T

hey can hinder our spiritual growth, rob us of our peace and joy, and make us miserable.

Quote: Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jews during the Holocaust, once said, "Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness."

Guard your heart

Proverbs 4:23 reminds us,

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Guarding your heart means protecting yourself from negative influences and guarding against sinful or harmful behaviors that can harm your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

we must guard our hearts against bitterness by focusing on the good things in our lives. As Philippians 4:8 tells us,

Philippians 4:8 NIV

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Focus on positive and uplifting things: Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive influences, such as uplifting music, inspiring books, and people who encourage and support you.

Practice self-care: Take care of your physical health by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise. Practice self-care by engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

Cultivate healthy relationships: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and who share your values and beliefs. Avoid toxic relationships that drain your energy and bring you down.

Guard your thoughts: Pay attention to your thoughts and make a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Meditate on positive affirmations, pray, and focus on the good things in your life.

Seek God's guidance: Seek God's guidance and wisdom through prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church. Ask Him to help you guard your heart and make wise decisions that honor Him.

Quote: Charles Spurgeon, a 19th-century Baptist preacher, once said, "The mind will often fall into the ditch of despondency if it has not enough to do, and the heart will soon be full of bitterness if there are no sweet flowers of affection blooming in it."

Seek God's help

Finally, we must seek God's help in overcoming bitterness. We cannot do it on our own, but through prayer and seeking God's guidance, we can find healing and restoration. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us,

Psalm 34:18 NIV

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Quote: Joyce Meyer, a well-known Christian author and speaker, once said, "God is able to take the mess of our past and turn it into a message. He takes the trials and tests and uses them to build in us a testimony that gives hope and encouragement to others."

In conclusion,

bitterness is a dangerous root that can take hold in our hearts and cause us to stumble.

But by forgiving those who have wronged us, guarding our hearts against negativity, and seeking God's help, we can uproot bitterness and find healing and wholeness.

We can choose to forgive, let go of the past, and embrace God's grace and healing.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would help us to cultivate a heart of forgiveness, that we may experience the freedom, joy, and peace that come from it

May God help us all to overcome bitterness and live in the freedom of His grace. Amen.