Bitterness

Hebrews 12:9–15 ESV

9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

Bitterness: a bitter root, and so producing a bitter fruit, bitter hatred.

Looking a little deeper and we see it means Acidic Poison

Bitterness often stems from unresolved negative experiences, holding onto anger and resentment, and a perceived sense of injustice. It can be a result of feeling hurt, betrayed, or disappointed, especially when these feelings are not addressed and allowed to fester. 

Many people walk around bitter if we listen to them you will hear it.

Some one bitter about the opposite sex will poison everyones well they can.

This can stem from a failed marriage, having an un faithful partner, what kind of parents we had.

We can have failed dreams and carry anger around because we blame a situation or individuals.

Mother’s who gave up careers can get bitter towards children or husbands.

The list goes on and on and on!

According to the Holy Spirit when BITTERNESS gets rooted in it will defile many others. It is contagious!!

This why you have a short window to deal with Anger.

Anger is the door which bitterness finds its way into your soul.

Forgiveness cleanses your soul, thus killing the root of bitterness.

Ephesians 4:26 AMP

26 When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 4

“Let not night and anger against anyone sleep with you, but go and conciliate the other party, though he have been the first to commit the offense.” Let not your “anger” at another’s wickedness verge into hatred, or contempt, or revenge.

Dwelling on the Past: Constantly replaying negative situations or conversations in your mind can amplify the pain and contribute to bitterness. 

I have seen people who are bitter towards the opposite sex get into relationships and make an innocent partner suffer because they are still angry about how a previous partner treated them.

Ephesians 4:30–32 AMP

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). 32 And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

So if we believe what is written Bitterness kills God’s Grace from operating in your life.

Bitterness keeps you from being kind to one another.

Remember

Hebrews 12:15 AMP

15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

Many people proclaim Godly wisdom in their lives while operating in unregulated emotions, the word of God states this is not Godly wisdom but actually demonic activity!

James 3:13–18 ESV

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Do not make peace with your bitterness (justify it) make peace with that person or situation in which bitterness has found a way to lay down roots!

Hebrews 10:19–25 ESV

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Bitterness keeps you tied to a pass that prevents you from your future.