THE VERSE
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.~Hebrews 12:15
THE THOUGHT
A "root of bitterness" is one of the most stubborn weeds that grows in the garden of the human heart, for it feeds on the fertile, natural soil of pride of which even the heart of a mature Christian is still often full. For pride is the sin that lurks behind the mask of self-pity, which in turn is what bitterness feeds on. Self-pity says to itself, "I don't deserve this," or "I deserve better than this." This is simply wounded pride talking. If you continue to let your wounded pride speak this way, you will soon find a root of bitterness growing in your heart as the venom of pride continues to be bottled up inside.So how do we combat the root of bitterness? Since pride, masquerading as self-pity, is at the heart of bitterness, go for the very heart, and begin a fierce campaign against pride in your heart. Spend time at the cross cultivating the flower of humility, which grows in that blood-stained soil of Golgotha. Meditate on the Savior's humility, on how "He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross," and fill your heart with Calvary and the sweet perfume of Christ's sacrifice, which is so noxious to pride. At the cross you will find what you need to defeat pride, and thereby uproot and destroy the root of bitterness that is defiling you.
THE PRAYER
Dear God, Teach me humility as I meditate on the sacrifice of Your Son and by the power of Your Holy Spirit kill bitterness at its root. Destroy the pride in my life that You hate so much, and by the same Spirit grow in its place all the fruit that You desire.EXTENDED READING
Galatians 5:19-24Ephesians 4:29-32
Philippians 2:3-11
James 4:4-10
THE QUOTE
"God never gives strength for tomorrow or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute." ~Oswald Chambers
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