BITTERNESS




Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Hebrews 12:14-15



• BITTERNESS HAS A DANGEROUS ROOT.


See to it that…no bitter root grows up…

Hebrews 12:15



• BITTERNESS PRODUCES A POISONOUS FRUIT.


…whenever (the bitter root) springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.

Hebrews 12:15 NLT



miaino (me-ah'-ee-no); stain, pollute or contaminate.



BITTER PEOPLE




1) Justify their bitterness.

2) Become overly critical.

3) Secretly celebrate misfortunes.

4) Write-off entire groups of people.

5) Struggle to see bitterness in the mirror.



WITH WHOM OR AT WHAT ARE YOU BITTER?



_______________________________



HOW DO YOU KILL THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS?




• KILL BITTERNESS WITH FORGIVENESS.



Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32



…forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32



For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:14-15



PERSONAL PRAYER




“God, I admit that I’ve allowed a root of bitterness to grow against _______________. Please forgive me of this sin. By your power, give me a heart of compassion and forgiveness toward this person. I pray you would restore my wounded relationship(s). In Jesus’ name, Amen.





Discussion Questions:



1) Without mentioning names, how have you observed bitterness poison someone’s life?

2) Bitterness is easy to see in others but more difficult to see in ourselves. Without being too specific, is there someone that you’re holding a grudge against? (This is not a time for gossip. Please don’t mention names.)

3) How has God taught you to be more forgiving?



Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:31-32 and Hebrews 12:14-15