There is bitterness, and then there is something worse than bitterness, that is, a "bitter root." A bitter root springs up and produces such evils as hatred, racism, unforgiveness, resentment, deception, violence, and cruelty. Because a bitter root is so productive of things which are destructive, it defiles many (Heb 12:15). This in turn can contribute to people choosing to fall "away from the grace of God" (Heb 12:15).
Since a root of bitterness is so dangerous and potentially damning, we must avoid bitterness so that there is no chance of it ever becoming rooted. We can avoid bitterness by accepting God's grace to forgive all those who have sinned against us in any way. Even if we have contaminated ourselves with bitterness, we can stop bitterness from being rooted by letting God work the miracle of forgiveness in our lives. If we have already allowed bitterness to take root in our lives, we must forgive so that we uproot bitterness before it produces even more evil. Where there is forgiveness, bitterness cannot exist.
Therefore, forgive everyone for every wrong committed against you. Then you will immediately be free from the cancer of bitterness.
PRAYER: | Father, may I avoid bitterness "like the plague." |
PROMISE: | "Strive for peace with all men, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord." –Heb 12:14 |
PRAISE: | St. Agatha, a young adult, dedicated herself to Jesus as a consecrated virgin. Multiple times she endured brutal torture as punishments from the Roman judge, yet she remained faithful to Jesus and would not seek relief. She died a martyr, trusting fully in the love of Christ. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College