A Deep Bitter Root

Have you ever noticed that you get easily agitated about certain things?  Often it’s because you are bothered by things that have taken a deep bitter root in your soul. Maybe there is a need for a spiritual root canal.

Often the bitter root is caused by a situation that happened many years ago. Perhaps we thought we either dealt with it or got over it, but here it is again causing problems.

I’ve recently had an issue come up that surprised me.  I would say by my reaction, I too had a bitter root that needed to come out. It really made me think that maybe I needed to look at all the garbage I’ve faced in my life.  It’s very possible that these types of obstacles hold back spiritual blessings and joy.  I figured it was time to seriously look at my life and write some things down.

 Acts 8:23 NIV For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

 Ephesians 4:31 NIV Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

 Why does it say to get rid of bitterness and all the rest?  For one, we are captive to sin, it’s got a hold on us, often making us act out in unpleasant ways.  Two, think of the tooth analogy, when there is an exposed raw nerve in a cracked tooth, it will continue to cause us problems and pain until the roots are dug out. We all know, people cannot function well or be themselves with constant pain and aggravation.  In the case of a bitter root in our soul, I believe it will affect us spiritually, mentally, physically and relationally in some form or another.

 So, at home I made a list of every significant offence I may have harbored from childhood on.  I spent time with the Lord and talked to Him about each and every one.  Then I prayed over each issue saying, “I forgive _____”, and asking the Holy Spirit to dig out the bitter root and remove each deep-rooted offense. I prayed over everything even if I thought I had forgiven the deed long ago. I want to be free. I do feel better, but who knows, I may have to do it again.  I will know by my reactions over things in the future. Our reactions do tell us a lot about what’s inside.

 A very important fact:  A lot of people have bitter roots.  A person CANNOT live on earth and not face ugliness, offence and pain.  Not only do we need to recognize it in ourselves and take the steps to dig it out, but we need to give grace to other people who show the signs.  Maybe we can help them by listening and praying.  Know this, it’s much easier to immediately squash the hurt of an offense, then to rid yourself of it years later.

After I wrote this, I felt I needed more for myself, so I looked for a message from my friend, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro on the subject and found the following: “Offenses and the Miraculous”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmTjic7R4Xs  

This is a really good message, I hope you will listen on your computer or phone while you are working around the house, driving or resting.  He has packed it full of good advice. Here’s a couple of quotes from his message: “Every single one of us are going to go through this and we need to know how to manage that and maybe sometimes eradicate and squash it. Because it is more important than you’ll ever realize, to guard your heart from offence.”    “We can shoulder an offense and forfeit a miracle or forfeit that offense in order to lay hold of a miracle.”  Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

I know for a fact many spiritual blessings can be forfeited by unforgiveness and by harboring the root of bitterness.  I say, it’s high time for freedom and relief, as well as God’s best for our lives.

Prayer:

Lord, your freedom is sweeter than honey.  Forgiveness is a gift like no other, especially for ourselves.  Help us lay our offences at your feet and grab ahold of freedom and joy.  Help us do a root canal on the bitter roots hidden under the surface. May we experience more of the miraculous by letting go. Help us reject the hurt of offences immediately and also be able to pray and offer forgiveness to the offenders because we know life is difficult.  Thank you, Lord, for your help, in Jesus’ name, amen.

God Bless

Sally