The divine law of God from Genesis to infinity is: “Every seed after its own kind.” This principle holds true whether of herbs and plants, animals and humans, or even words and deeds. The NT states, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
And there is at least one seed that we all will both sow and reap throughout our Christian experience, and that is the seed of offense! Jesus stated as a matter of truth: “It is impossible but that offenses will come…” (Luke 17:3). He also warned in Matthew 24:10 that along with numerous other last–day signs, such as wars, earthquakes, pestilences, is this sign: “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”The apostle James observed: “For in many things we all offend…” (Js. 3:2). The danger of these seeds of offense being freely sown amongst our hearts is found in Hebrews 12:15: “Looking diigently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
Since all roots must begin as a seed, the first question to be answered is, What is the seed that produces the root of bitterness? The seed is offense. Whenever any one is offended, a seed of offense is planted in his heart and can quickly—springing up—germinate into a root of bitterness. Notice that I said can! The second question then is, since everyone will offend and be offended at some point; since it is unavoidable—Why do some become bitter while others do not? What determines whether that seed of offense will germinate into a root of bitterness?
In order for any seed to germinate, it must be in the right kind of soil, and in this case, the soil is the human heart. It is the seedbed, and offenses only grow in certain types of heart–soil! This means that it is the condition of the heart that determines why some overcome offense without becoming bitter and others do not.
The Bible focuses on the root of bitterness, and roots grow beneath the soil where they can’t be seen. Thus, it is not easy to detect in the early stages that a root of bitterness is growing in the heart. By and by, however, the root will produce fruit, and some of its fruit are:“bitterness” (a perpetual, irritable state of mind that keeps one in animosity and inclines him to harsh and uncharitable opinions of others), “wrath” (burning inner turmoil that explodes outwardly), “anger” (a state of mind whose desire is revenge and to punish those who have offended him), “clamour” (the cry of strife, out-shouting in arguments), “evil speaking” (the worst kind of slander; wounding another’s reputation through false evil reports), “malice” (an evil habit of the mind to attribute an evil connotation to another’s actions). These six things “grieve the Holy Ghost”.
Paul said in Ephesians 4:26-31. “Stop it!”, he commanded in verse 30. Then in verse 32, he stated what perhaps is the most “troubling” fruit of the root of bitterness: unforgiveness! This, more than anything else, “gives Satan an advantage over us!” (2 Cor. 2:9-11). The advantage he gets is the time to allow germination of the seed of offense into the root of bitterness, and the cycle perpetuates. But we are commanded: “Be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
The “Even As” Principle:
Instead of living with the desire of “getting even,” we are to exercise what I call the “even as” principle: Forgive others even as God has forgiven you! Jesus taught us to pray, “And forgive us our trespasses even as we forgive those who trespass against us…. For if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:12&15).
What I like about Hebrews 12:15 is that it not only contains the warning to be diligent to guard against the root of bitterness, but it also tells us how to—that is, “not to fail of the grace of God!” God has grace enough to help us to overcome the most grievous offenses!
I want to share with you my indepth message on this subject, preached recently in a service at Faith Tabernacle Church. I am absolutely confident that this message will help you to face and deal with any root of bitterness-even long–standing issues that have troubled you. It is time to be free, and I want to help you to avail and not fail of the grace of God to find peace and forgiveness.
Jesus said in Matthew 15:13, “Every root that my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.” Friend, God did not plant that root of bitterness in your heart! It has “defiled” you too long, and it is time to let Him root it up out your life!
About The Author
