Root of Bitterness

I guess I am always amazed at how deep the root of bitterness can actually run. Believe me, it runs deep in a lot of people.

The root of bitterness is one of the greatest hindrances to the flow of God in a Christian's life.

After a certain amount of time, we have to let our differences go, and if we don't the root of bitterness is all to happy to set in for the rest of our life. I've purposed in my heart to live as peaceably with everyone that I can. It's not always easy, and sometimes I have to pray and then pray some more.

Have you ever been judged, misunderstood, or come to the point where you just had to agree to disagree with someone? Me too!! It's awful. Then maybe you are casually shopping at the grocery store or out to lunch and you see that person(s), and they stiffen up, act cold, or half-heartedly say hello. It's not a good feeling.

Again, I have chosen to live, as much as possible, at peace with anyone that I have ever offended or those who have offended me. Our bitterness quenches the Spirit of God. I don't ever want to quench God's Spirit, if I can help it.

If God lives in our hearts, He will speak to us about bitterness. You may not feel this way, but bitterness to me is a form of hatred and unforgiveness. These are quite the opposite of the attributes of God.

When we get hurt, we may feel "justified" in our feelings, but it's not pleasing to God no matter how you slice it. Every slice has been laced with that form of hatred and unforgiveness. All I can say is...Lord, I beg, plead, cry out to you, for the heart to forgive. Lord, you forgave us for every sin and put them as far as the east is from the west.

Casting Crowns has a song out called: East to West. One part says, "Jesus, can you show me just how far the east is from the west? Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again in the arms of your mercy I find rest cause you know how far the east is from the west? One scarred hand to the other. I know you've washed me me white, turned my darkness into light. I need your peace to get me through. To get me through this night. I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth your Word reveals. I'm not holding on to you, but you're holding on to me. You're holding on to me. Jesus, you know just how far the east is from the west. I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again. In the arms of your mercy I find rest cause You know just how far the east is from the west. One scarred hand to the other.

There's only one question that puts it all into perspective for me...If Jesus forgave us, the way we forgive others...how would that be?