What can make us fail to obtain the grace of God?  In our last blog, we looked at two things that will do so—not running the race of Christianity properly and running the race inconsistently.  There is something else that can prevent us from obtaining the reward of God’s grace.  It is a silent assailant.  The Hebrews writer tells us what it is.

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;

Bitterness has prevented many children of God from enjoying present blessings in Christ and, even’ from attaining the final reward of heaven.  If you have been assaulted by bitterness, what should you do?  Here are three things you need to do with bitterness to conquer it.

First, you have to realize it.  The one who is infested with bitterness is often the last one to realize its presence.  The Hebrews writer speaks of the “root of bitterness.”  Roots are not usually visible to the eyes because they are under the surface.

Sometimes bitterness is buried so deep in the heart of a person that it begins to feel natural.  He lives with it every day so it becomes the normal way to feel.  How does a person like that even realize that he has been besieged by bitterness?  He does so by self-examination, looking for any manifestations of bitterness.  Just like the weed of the root will, sooner or later, break ground, so will bitterness.   It might come out in the form of anger.  The person who is living with anger, always mad at someone or something, probably has the root of bitterness growing inside of him.  Perhaps the bitterness will surface in the form of holding grudges and not being willing to forgive, but whatever form it takes, an honest examination of self should detect it.

Second, you have to remove it. The sin of bitterness is removed just like any other sin.  You must repent of it.  No sin will be forgiven by God apart from repentance.  Jesus once said, “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).   To repent is to have a change of heart.  Once you realize that you have been living with a bitter heart, make up your mind to let it go.  That is repentance.  Then you must pray to God and ask His forgiveness (Acts 9:22), and He will be faithful and just to forgive you (1 John 1:9).  Once you do this, you will be free from the bitterness that is eating away at your soul and be able to serve God anew.

Third, you have to replace it.  The best way to protect yourself from falling back into a mindset of bitterness is to replace it with something more pleasing to God.  Start focusing on the blessings that you have in Christ.  Remember that you have been redeemed, your sins have been forgiven, and now you have the hope of heaven.  Fill your mind with godly thoughts, and it will help protect you from developing devilish dispositions.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
⁸  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

Do not let bitterness destroy you.  Examine yourself so that you can realize, remove, and replace it; and, live in the joy of the Lord

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