The writer of the book of Hebrews enjoins us to pursue peace with others and to live a life of holiness:

Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

Although we may desire such a lifestyle, we seem to fall short. What causes us to miss God’s standard? The next verse reveals the answer:

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;  (Hebrews 12:15)

The present tense verb, see to it, emphasizes that we are to diligently examine our condition and take appropriate action if necessary. God’s desire is that you may experience the fullness of His grace – is that your experience?

A reason why we may come short of God’s grace is a root of bitterness. The Greek word for bitterness was used to describe harmful plants. The figurative use of this word denotes a long-standing resentment.

Consider what is involved in removing a stump. You dig around the stump and then your shovel hits a root. You cut the root and continue the process until you finally cut all of the roots. This is an apt analogy as the roots of hurt, pain, and resentment can develop into a root of bitterness.

If we do not free ourselves from the root of bitterness, it is self-destructive and we become defiled. A root of bitterness influences our relationships so we develop a negative attitude toward others. When a root of bitterness develops there is nothing the other person can do to ameliorate the relationship. To avoid cognitive dissonance, the person with a root of bitterness cannot see any good in the other person and people do not realize that there is no heavier load than a chip on one’s shoulder.

The root determines the fruit and a bitter root will produce bitter fruit. Have you ever responded in a harsh tone and then wonder, “Why did I respond that way?” Our words and our behaviors reveal the condition of our heart:

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. (Luke 6:45)

We must realize that Satan uses unforgiveness as a means of taking advantage of us:

But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

Life is an adventure in learning how to forgive others. When you forgive, you cannot change the past, but you can change the future.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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