A Better Story – Part 2
Digging Up the Destructive Root of Bitterness
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up
to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15b (NLT)
I have yet to meet an individual who hasn’t navigated situations holding the capacity to sow seeds of bitterness into the soul. Bottled up misunderstandings between friends, judgment from those who know little of our history, betrayal from the individual who promised to love us—these are just a few of the relational troubles that imbed seeds of bitterness into the soil of our hearts.
Psychologists liken a bitterness to cancer. It continues to grow until the individual holding it eventually collapses under the weight of it. Bitterness chains us to our painful past. Like a boomerang, aimed at our enemy, it eventually turns back and destroys us.
It becomes a self-inflicted wound, sentencing us to a diminished, pain-filled life. So, why do we cling to bitterness? Could it be that bitterness somehow feels like the appropriate response to wrong done to us or to those we love? Do our painful, personal wounds cry out for justice?
You may be reading this thinking, “Patty, if you knew my story, you would understand my bitterness is justified.” I believe you! Yet, if it is not extracted from your soul, you will be crushed under the weight of it.
I remember reading the following words and wanting to scream to the heavens, “HOW?”
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31 (NLT)
Over the next three weeks I want to answer this gnawing question: HOW do we dig up these invasive roots of bitterness from our soul and what will happen to us if we do?
The hurt that creates a deep root of bitterness feels unjust, extremely personal and leaves our soul with a deep wound. Does anyone want to forgive or admit the need for forgiveness? Whether we’re giving or receiving it, forgiveness is hard. It seems unfair. It feels unnatural. Forgiveness apart from Christ IS unnatural.
Until we embrace the extremely personal nature of Jesus’ work on the cross, we will gloss over forgiveness. While you and I were selfish, back-biting, unfaithful humans, Jesus died to cleanse us from guilt, blame and shame.
Nailed to an eye level cross, the Roman model of crucifixion at that time, Jesus gazed into all of time with a message for each one of us: I am hanging here—for you! I am here to bind up your broken heart, to give you freedom from the things that have held you captive. I want to give you joy where you walk in mourning, and beauty to replace the ashes of your suffering. I am the beginning for the healing you need!
No matter what you have done or what has been done to you, nothing trumps his forgiveness. Some of your wounds may be fresh and your faith fragile. Do nothing more this week than rest right here near the cross that breaks every chain binding you to your painful past. I pray you will be able to gaze upon His love and feel His power heal your wounds.
Next week we will shine a light on this, often dark, pathway towards forgiveness. You will never have to walk it alone.
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