Roots grow quickly and unnoticeable, producing more plants in various places, sometimes at an alarming rate. The roots of a plant are vitally important to it, providing water and nutrients for the stem and leaves, and allowing them to grow and flourish.

The Hebrew writer warns us to avoid the “root of bitterness.”

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)
¹⁵ See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.

The reference to a root of bitterness comes from Deuteronomy 29:18 where Moses was warning the people of God about the danger of turning away from Him due, at least in part, to bitterness. The Hebrews writer is warning against the bitter person in the church who has turned away from God and will cause trouble if he is not addressed.

Bitterness bears much fruit and all of it is bad. This is why Bible dictionaries and lexicons always tell us that the Greek word (pikria) refers to “extreme wickedness.” It is seen by a person who is full of anger and resentment, and almost always detected in one’s speech.

Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)
³¹ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Where you find bitterness, slander is sure to follow; and, trouble is always hanging onto the coattails of bitterness and slander. The good news is that bitterness can be put away. A bitter person has a heart problem, and heart problems can be repaired. Paul tells us how to do it.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Forgiveness is the key to overcoming bitterness. The root of bitterness is selfishness. The person who is bitter and resentful is being dominated by those feelings because, very often, he feels like he has been wronged by another person or group of people, or sometimes even God. He cannot get over the perceived mistreatment of himself. All his thoughts are now constantly on how “he” has been mistreated, betrayed, let down, or even conspired against. All his thoughts, leading to anger and wrath, are on himself. The way to overcome these inner feelings is to forgive. Let go of them and determine to be kind and tenderhearted. Bitterness cannot survive in a tender heart that is willing to forgive.

The bitter person is in sin. The Christian is one who is led by the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Bitterness, and the demonic emotions that it produces, are works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). This is why the Hebrews writer tells us that the bitter person is one who fails to obtain the grace of God. He is referring to what the grace of God produces—the gift of eternal life with God. Bitterness will cause the child of God to lose his reward. Instead of being bitter, strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14).

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.