“Bitter Root, Bitter Fruit”
Hebrews 12:14-17
1. The reason for bitterness.
“I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1
A. Look at Jobs expression of bitterness. Bitterness is internalized anger over painful events in our lives.
B. The root of bitterness is below ground; it is hidden, deceiving and easy to hide. People don’t go around boasting about being bitter.
2. The result of bitterness.
“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.” Hebrews 12:15
A. The first result of bitterness is personal internal turmoil. The pain is nurtured and reviewed.
B. This bitterness sooner or later will express itself and defile many. Bitterness is never contained. It’s like a root that doesn't recognize property lines.
C. Bitterness keep you captive to a cycle of sin.
3. The reality of bitterness
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 4:31
A. Bitterness will bear fruit and reproduce. Bitterness's offspring are also destructive.
B. Bitterness robs the person of joy and leaves the soul in darkness.
C. Bitterness thrives when we fail to forgive. Bitterness hungers for the sweetness of revenge.
4. The right response to bitterness.
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” James 314
A. Let God reveal it. Don’t deny it, let God reveal it.
B. Let grace repel it. What is the grace of God? It is the transforming power of God in your life. You now have a new nature and I\identity. Put off the old and put on the new life.
C. Let forgiveness remove it. Forgiving is not forgetting. Forgiving is remembering without bitterness, hatred or resentment.