Hebrews 12:15 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.
The frequency of blood tests to monitor cholesterol, blood sugar, liver, and kidney function would vary with age and health conditions. It is recommended that adults do a complete blood-work annually.
Similarly, regular spiritual check-ups of our inner man are vital to expose hidden sins and uproot any seeds of bitterness. Unresolved anger turns into bitterness. Insults, abuse or hurt that is never discussed or healed can become like life-threatening blood infection, “Sepsis”. Daily heart-checks to examine and eliminate any offence toward anyone or anything keep us spiritually healthy.
We can be angry with people, systems, government or corporate. We can be angry with ourselves or even worse, with God! Many tend to be bitter with God as they expect Him to be their ‘magic genie’. They blame God for their losses, delay and stagnation. Sadly, “Some people get angry at the mirror, not realizing it’s just a reflection of themselves.” It is important to deal with frustrations before they become full blown bitterness.
Anger is a natural reaction to injustice or insult but the Bible teaches us: “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:25-27).
Spiritual Health-Checks:
1. Shortage: Unresolved anger hoarded in the heart will drain the grace of God. It is God’s grace that makes us eligible for the blessings that we are not worthy of, but bitterness will cause a shortage of God’s grace. In short, “Bitterness bursts Blessings”.
2. Springs: Bitterness springs trouble. Reconcile with yourself and with others before anger takes root as antagonism. There are certain things that cannot be reconciled immediately. It would require time to heal however, it is important to make a resolute decision not to dwell on the issues that infect our soul with resentment.
3. Sepsis: Bitterness is like sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection to the soul. Make a resolution not to be offended for anything or by anyone.
Anger and bitterness robs us of the grace of God.
Prayer: Father God, heal me from spiritual sepsis and give me the grace to be quick to forgive and forget wrongs. Amen.
Leave a Reply