“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” (Hebrew 12:15) 

Life can be difficult and full of disappointments, it can sometimes beat us down to the point where we become bitter, and when we allow bitterness to take root, we miss the purpose of God for our lives. While I can’t control the circumstances of life, I can control how I respond to the circumstances. As a believer, I have the choice of how I respond to circumstances. Even when I don’t feel like everything is working out for my good, I can choose to trust and believe God as declared in Romans 8:28: 

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” 

This is what the Bible calls faith: believing without seeing the manifestation. 

Becoming Bitter 

What prevents me from becoming bitter when life beats me down? I have learned to be thankful to God in everything or as The Message Bible puts it this way: “Thank God no matter what happens.” (1 Thes. 5:18) It’s not easy to praise God for everything, which is why this command to give thanks when life has turned against you is not easy to follow. Yet when I have found myself challenged, but obeyed this command, I’ve learned that praising the Lord is the greatest defense against having a bitter and critical spirit. 

Suffering does not automatically make you stronger or better. What makes us stronger and better is the way we respond to suffering. If we respond by becoming bitter we fail to grow and we are not better. God provides us with His grace, but when I refuse that grace I create an environment where bitterness grows. I will either choose to forgive or dwell on the hurt, transgression or offense until I become bitter. 

Bitterness is a choice every believer faces. When the root of bitterness springs up, it destroys the believer’s inner peace and can cause physical illness. Bitterness has the ability to defile all those it touches, starting with the one who is bitter, but extending to all our other relationships. It is essential that we “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by many be defiled;” (Heb. 12:15) 

When you are bitter you become a slave to whom your bitterness is directed at. My dear friend, don’t allow bitterness to enslave you. By the Grace and Mercy of God, I pray that the Holy Spirit releases you from all bitterness. Only then will you be able to walk in love and forgiveness. Pray this prayer for release from bitterness: Heavenly Father, I come to you with bitterness in my heart. I am asking you to forgive me and to release me from a bitter heart, mind and soul. Jesus, set me free from this yoke of bitterness and make me free. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott

Purchase Bishop Jemmott’s books and sermons including his latest release entitled “Still Standing” here.