“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Hebrews 12:15 NLT)
Have you ever been disappointed by someone? Life is sometimes disappointing and can leave scars that can take many years to heal. The scars we carry aren’t visible but can be seen by those who take the time to look closely.
When I was in elementary school, one Saturday my dad was working on a car in the driveway, and I asked him if he’d like to go see a movie I wanted to see. He said he would but needed to finish what he was doing. Apparently, I was pestering him, so he suggested I start walking to the theatre. It wasn’t far from the house, so he gave me money for admission, and said he would pick me up on the way. I ended up walking home after the movie, alone.
Isn’t it sad how those memories can haunt us? But why? Why do we let those painful thoughts take root in our soul, allowing them to spoil many positive memories? I’m sure there’s a term for it, but that’s what I thought of when I read in the verse above about the “poisonous root of bitterness.”
Desiring God posted this definition: “A “root of bitterness” is a figurative expression in the Bible. It refers to a person or doctrine in the church that encourages people to act presumptuously and treat salvation lightly, assuming it does not require vigilance in the fight of faith and pursuit of holiness. The seed of bitterness is a hurt planted in someone, whether intentional or unintentional. The phrase is based on Deuteronomy 29:18, warning against harmful influences. It is not an attitude, but a person who flatters themselves in their sin.”
My confidence is that, for the most part, those who read this blog don’t want to disappoint those we love, whether family or friends, but here’s the truth – we do! We hate it about ourselves and with all that is within us we wish we didn’t, but we do and have and now have to live with it. But even if by some miracle mercy of God we haven’t ever disappointed anyone, we still know, love, and are loved by people who do and, very likely, have hurt us.
Here’s my takeaway? Just as I want my family and friends to give me the benefit of the doubt, forgive me, and give me another opportunity to be and do better, that’s what I want to do for those who have, do, or will hurt me. I appreciate what Christine Caine wrote: “Just because a particular person didn’t turn out to be who you thought they were doesn’t mean Jesus is not who he says he is. Don’t ever confuse Jesus with people.”
Even someone who loves Jesus and is seeking with all their heart to live faithfully, can mess up. I think of those whose names you’d recognize instantly if I mentioned them, who have failed in their marriage or got caught up in pornography or other ungodly lifestyles. And please don’t misunderstand, I’m not excusing their behavior, but I am confident as a child of God that sin doesn’t have to have the final word.
God alone knows our heart and He alone can cleanse, heal, redeem, forgive, and restore, but even if someone doesn’t seek His forgiveness it doesn’t nullify every right thing they’ve said or done. Truth is truth regardless of its source, and the truth is people fail, but God NEVER does! We can build our life on that!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 