“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” – Hebrews 12:15
The second to last test we will discuss is the forgiveness test. If we don’t forgive, we become bitter, and bitterness will ruin your life. Bitterness is dangerous. It’s toxic and deadly. The Bible even warns us about the “root of bitterness” that can plant itself in your life and not only does it cause trouble, it also causes defilement. You need to know that you can have health or bitterness, but you can’t have both. You can have a future or bitterness, but you can’t have both. You can have relationships or bitterness, but you can’t have both. Just like Samson, you’re going to be wronged, people are going to lie to you, they’re going to lie about you, they’re going to steal from you, they’re going to damage you, they’re going to attack you, they’re going to ignore you, they’re going to use you and abuse you. I’m sorry for what you’ve gone through. Those things may happen to us, but in order to be healthy, we have to learn to forgive.
God made us with an innate sense of justice, and when that sense of justice is violated, we get angry and bitter. We want the wrong made right and, in those moments, you can choose bitterness or forgiveness. If you choose bitterness, you literally go down to Hell, and if you choose forgiveness, you go up to Heaven. Hell is where all the unforgiven people go, and if you choose unforgiveness, you’re literally choosing the path to Hell. Heaven is where all the forgiven people go, so if you choose forgiveness, you’re literally going up closer to God in Heaven.
Samson had a lot of bitterness, and he continuously sought vengeance for any wrongs that were done to him. Just like him, we can become so consumed or obsessed with the person that hurt us that we can lose sight of looking up to God. It’s a great act of faith for a person to say “I’m going to forgive them and I’m going to let God deal with them.” God might forgive them as He forgave you. God might take His time to deal with them, and you don’t want to wait that long. No matter your feelings about the person/people who wronged you, you must forgive them and allow God to be the avenger. You need to stop cursing them. Instead, pray for them, bless them, and let God deal with them.
Forgiveness is not easy, but it’s essential to be healthy and to continue growing as a Christian. Tomorrow, we wrap up the 10th and final test that encompasses all the other tests – finishing well.
Have you allowed a “root of bitterness” to plant itself in your heart? If so, who do you need to forgive so it can be uprooted?
Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Visit https://realfaith.com/faq/ for privacy and terms info.