Our Scripture reading today is Hebrews 12:15, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"
It is never wise to allow the spirit of unforgiveness to remain in us. A root will begin to grow that will develop in our inner man that will lead to being overcome by a tree of bitterness. Obviously we cannot see a root but we (and many others) can most definitely see the fruit. “A bitter root is a root that bears bitter fruit… So it is possible for the seed of bitterness to be sown in a community and, though nothing is immediately apparent, in due time the inevitable fruit appears.” (Morris)
When an offence comes into our lives, we must offer forgiveness as soon as possible. This will not allow any bitterness to take root in our lives. Far too many Christians today are filled with bitterness over past offences. As has been said before, "Bitterness destroys the container that it's kept in." Our verse for today reminds us that bitterness impacts many people who are around someone with bitterness. If God's Spirit is challenging you about bitterness, confess and forsake it today!