Bitterness
Scripture:
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Reflection:
Today I choose to fast from the sin of bitterness.
Just as bitter food leaves a sour taste in our mouths, emotional bitterness lingers in our hearts and gives life an “unpalatable” taste. We can be bitter towards others or towards ourselves, but in either case it leads to destruction.
Hebrews 12:15 describes bitterness as a root - it may be unseen, but its fruit is visible in our lives. Bitterness gives way to behaviors and attitudes such as hostility, sarcasm, harshness and constant criticism. If you notice these things in your life, it may be time to uproot bitterness.
Thomas à Kempis wrote that “love bears a heavy burden and does not feel it, and love makes bitter things tasteful and sweet”. Perhaps love can also uproot bitterness in your life as you learn to let go of those things that cause bitterness and replace them with love for God, love for your neighbour, and love for yourself.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
Where do I see the fruit of bitterness (hostility, sarcasm, harshness and criticism) in my life?
How might I increase love in my life as a way of decreasing bitterness?
Prayer:
Be honest with God about the areas of your life where you struggle with bitterness. Confess the ways that bitterness shows up in your life and ask God to help you move forward by choosing to focus on and cultivate love.
These devotions have been adapted from “Lenten Healing: 40 Days to Set You Free from Sin” by Ken Kniepmann.
