Introduction: The Bible not only speaks to us verbatim, it contains a spiritual language, which is real and we live its affectation in our natural world. The Bible tells us about spiritual prisons, chains and ties that afflict people, Jesus came to free the captives and did not take anyone out of the natural prison, all this refers to spiritual realities that directly affect our natural life.
Another case is that of the root of bitterness that acts as a root of curse that absorbs the life of God in the heart of the believer. Let us keep in mind that Jesus came to give us life and life in abundance, therefore let us cast aside all resentment, anger or bitterness and move forward in the love of Christ. Let’s see this valuable study
PULLING OUT THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS AND RESENTMENT
Bible quote: Hebrews 12:15.
1) Definition of bitterness:
Translated from the Greek term “pikria” which also means: rancor, resentment, sharp. The Dec. Swanson translates it: “to be terribly envious.”
Note: We are talking about a root of rancor, a root of resentment, which causes pangs in the heart. The root term also means: source, cause, reason. Then it is a feeling of anger or hatred that, because it is not removed from the heart, takes root there, and then produces the fruits of the tree of bitterness (because the root that is not uprooted later becomes a tree).
two) Origin of the root of bitterness:
Note: Every tree is the result of a seed, the first thing that appears is the root. What are the seeds of the root of bitterness? What things make a heart fertile ground for these seeds?
a) Rejection (in the various stages of the human being).
b)
Injustices received (mistreatment, exaggerated punishments, abuse of authorities, significant thefts, betrayals, continuous lack of love of your spouse, etc).
c) Unhealed offenses (it is a wound that has not received the healing power of God).
and) Unassimilated personal failures.
F) Wrong discipline. The context in Hebrews 12 tells us about discipline and about Esau (Hebrews 12:7-10 and 16-17).
He talks about the discipline of our parents and that of God (sometimes due to adult abuse the seed of resentment is harbored in the heart; and other times the believer before divine formation gets angry with God and even renounces his faith).
Esau sold his birthright for a plate of lentils (it was a big mistake he made) and then when he wanted to correct his mistake it was no longer possible (sometimes in the face of a failure or a big mistake we blame ourselves all our lives, and out of anger against ourselves themselves the root of bitterness settles in the heart).
3) Characteristics of bitter root:
Note: The condition of the root of a tree can be concluded from its fruits, if the tree has a good color, its foliage is appropriate, its trunk looks healthy and strong, and when tasting its fruit it is delicious, we can safely conclude that its root is healthy. fury. Let’s see some characteristics of the root of bitterness in a person:
a) Your bitter character makes you harsh in your relationships.
b) The Greek term for bitter, also translates: sharp, aggressive (by his words and actions he hurts others).
c) The face of the person with the root of bitterness is serious, rigid, his gaze is sometimes sad (because there is frustration and impotence) and other times it is arrogant and haughty.
d) His vision of life is sad and failure (For example in Ruth 1:19-21).
and) Bitterness considers God unjust (Psalm 73:21, 2-3. Asaph led praise in the days of King David, flowed in prophecy and visions, at least 12 psalms are recognized).
4)Impact:
a) The root of bitterness is like a parasitic plant that eats the nutrients of life from the heart, bringing loneliness, ruin, disease, dryness and death.
b) Bitterness captivates the heart (it is as if it put it in a spiritual prison). Through the Holy Spirit, the apostle Peter told Simon: “Repent… and pray to God, because I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the prison of wickedness.”
c) The person loses the grace of God: “Take heed, lest anyone fall short of God’s grace; lest any root of bitterness springing up hinder you.”
d) The root of bitterness takes you away from God, because finally the person concludes that he is bad and perverse, and that God does not love him, and therefore he deserves the worst.
a) Ask God for forgiveness.
c) Give up resentment or bitterness.
d)
Be filled with the love of God.
and) Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: God is a healer, and seeks the best for his children. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and with the power of God uproot the root of bitterness or resentment from the heart.
(Written by Pastor Gonzalo Sanabria)
We invite you to read: I GO TO THE GOAL (Philippians 3:13-14)
