I have been speaking on the Sermon on the Mount for the past few Sundays; the last message was Forgiveness and reconciliation. This message will continue to build on the text found in Matthew 5:24. Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to prevent the root of bitterness from defiling the church.
I came from a family of nine children. I was taught the importance of your family. My mother knew that if issues were not addressed quickly, feelings would develop to divide the family. Her method of discipline was different from my father's. My father used physical punishment to discipline us. He believed that "spare the rod spoils the child." He made it very clear: do it again, and you would get more of the same. The problem was it did not change our feelings toward one another. We waited our time to get back at the one we were fighting with.
On the other hand, my mother would have us stand facing each other and say I am sorry, forgive me and then we had to hug each other and kiss. I would rather take a beating than say sorry, ask Forgiveness, and hug and kiss my brother or sister. My mother would stand there, tears running down her face, waiting for us to act. Sometimes, she would have us pray and ask the LORD to forgive us for how we treated our brother or sister. If that were not enough, during our family prayer before going to bed, she would pray for us by name and ask the LORD to help us to love one another.
I am the oldest of nine children, and I must say that I love my brothers and sisters and want them to make it to heaven. They are my family. I do not wish to have regrets for unresolved issues between my family.
I have the same wish for my church family.
Do you know what makes it challenging to be a pastor? Understanding the problems and wanting to do the work of the Holy Spirit. Why would you listen to me if you will not listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you?
How often do we sing the song The Family of God and we will not speak to one another over some petty difference? We allow Satan to bring discord and division because of our pride and the root of bitterness in our hearts.
Hebrews 12:15, in the King James Version, refers to a "root of bitterness" which, if it springs up, will "trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." What exactly is this "root," and how can it defile many? True to the purpose of the Book of Hebrews, we can find some explanations in the Old Testament, which are confirmed by other uses in the New Testament.
First, a more recent translation of the entire verse is helpful. The New International Version reads, "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 12:15). This passage is directed at the whole church.
In the Hebrew culture, any poisonous plant was called a "bitter" plant. Poison destroys, and the result of ingesting a toxic plant would be bitter. The author of the book of Hebrews uses a "bitter root" as a metaphor for that which would harm the church.
A verse in the Pentateuch closely mirrors the wording in Hebrews. In Deuteronomy 29, Moses reviews the covenant between God and Israel. In this context, he says, "Make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison" (Deuteronomy 29:18). This particular "bitter poison" is idolatry in defiance of the covenant. Throughout the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as "bitter poison" refers either to the unfaithful (Deuteronomy 29:18; Amos 6:12) or to their punishment (Jeremiah 8:14; 9:15; 23:15).
Moving to the New Testament, we have another reference to the destructive power of bitterness. While rebuking Simon the Sorcerer, Peter tells him to repent of his wickedness, with an added insight: "I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin" (Acts 8:23). Simon's wickedness was his desire to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, treating God as a commodity to enhance his career as a magician.
So, the "bitter root" in Hebrews refers to a source of evil or wickedness within the church. A root may grow small and slow but is malignant and dangerous if it carries poison. Sin in the church must be diligently rooted out; the result of tolerating wickedness is that "many" will be defiled.
Often, within the church, we feel that all one needs to do is ask God to forgive us, and all is well. God's Forgiveness is the first step to being reconciled with God. The second step is forgiving those who wronged us and finding reconciliation with them. The wrong we perceive that has been done to us causes bitterness. We need to address the root cause of the bitterness in our hearts.
Jesus is giving us the steps to resolve the bitterness hindering our relationship with God and our fellow man.
The root causes of bitterness, a topic that delves into the depths of human emotions, is what I will address in today's message. Bitterness, that lingering feeling of resentment and anger, can have various underlying factors contributing to its emergence.
One cause is unresolved conflicts or grievances. When we hold onto past hurts and refuse to address them, bitterness can take root and fester within us.
When we hold on to past grievances, it is often projected onto others without realizing what we are doing.
Resolving conflicts can be a challenging and emotional process. Sometimes, when we encounter individuals who remind us of these unresolved conflicts, bitterness can arise within us. It is as if the wounds are reopened, and the pain resurfaces.
How often have you heard someone make the statement, I cannot stand that person; they remind me of my mom, dad, brother, sister, you put in the person.
The mere presence of these individuals can trigger a range of negative emotions - anger, resentment, and frustration. It feels like they hold a mirror to our unfinished business, reflecting the unresolved issues we have yet to confront.
Do you realize that your continued focus on the person who wronged you will mold you into the person you despise? Have you ever heard someone say you are just like your father, mother, or person you cannot stand?
In such moments, it is essential to acknowledge these reminders' power over us. They serve as catalysts for growth and self-reflection. As uncomfortable as it may be, facing these reminders head-on can lead to profound healing and personal transformation.
By embracing this opportunity for introspection, we can better understand ourselves and our triggers. We can learn to navigate bitterness with grace and compassion towards ourselves and those who inadvertently stir up our unresolved conflicts.
Through this process, we can break free from the chains of bitterness and find solace in resolution.
Another source may be unmet expectations, when our hopes and desires are dashed, leading to disappointment and bitterness.
Furthermore, comparison and envy can fuel bitterness as we constantly measure ourselves against others' achievements or possessions. This toxic mindset breeds resentment and a sense of inadequacy.
Personal betrayal or perceived injustice can also be catalysts for bitterness. When trust is broken or we feel wronged by others, it can be challenging to let go of the resulting bitterness.
With awareness comes the potential for growth and transformation. Let us explore these causes further to cultivate a more harmonious existence free from bitterness.
Bitterness in the heart can be a heavy burden, but fear not, for you can take steps to overcome it. You can find solace and regain your inner peace by embracing these steps with an open mind and a determined spirit.
Firstly, self-reflection is critical. Take the time to ponder on the root causes of your bitterness. Is it a past hurt or betrayal? Understanding where it stems from will help you gain clarity and perspective. It would be best first to acknowledge your bitterness's root cause.
Once you have acknowledged your root cause, ask God to forgive you for the bitterness in your heart.
Next, Forgiveness is a powerful tool in healing a bitter heart. It may not be easy, but by forgiving those who have wronged you, you release yourself from the prison of resentment and allow room for growth and healing. AS God has forgiven you, forgiving others is foundational to your relationship with God.
133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, Rom. 15:5
By following these steps with determination and an open heart, you can gradually overcome bitterness and embrace a more joyful existence.
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