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Hebrews 12:15, in the King James Version, refers to a "root of bitterness" which, if it springs up, will "trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." What exactly is this "root," and how can it defi...
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I personally think we can trace this root right back to the worship of self, or a better term would be pride. Pride is the source of every sin imaginable. Pride is the source of all bitterness, resentment, anger, unforgiveness..., etc. The opposite to pride is selflessness of course, which mirrors Christ and His character: Meekness, lowliness, sacrifice, service... In order to forgive, we must put aside our feelings, hurt, resentment and bitterness. If we live for self, we allow all sorts of horrid sin into our hearts and minds, but if we turn from our selves, and do as Christ would do, then we glorify Him.
The root of bitterness is unforgiveness. Jesus said it so distinctly that those who forgive shall be forgiven. When you don't forgive, you empower those who have treated you wrong. Matthew 6:14 Of course some people get corrected or chastised and cannot accept or handle the truth. The truth does not always feel good but when you accept truth about yourself that puts you on the road to change for the better. Of course I am not taking about condemnation. The devil is always behind those attacks even when he uses a human vessel. But we are still required to forgive mankind. But we can get angry and sin not, defending our good name but without course words. We can also and usually best in most situations call on our Lord to be our defender. Keeping the bond of peace in the church should always be the first priority to maintain unity in the body if Christ. Sometimes we need to be like water rolling of a duck's back and say quack quack! Let the unjust insults roll right off your back. I have even quack quacked at people before. It stops them immediately when you quack at them. It is a lot of fun too. Quack! Quack! Selah! Jaybird Ps. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
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