Healing From Being Bitten by Bitterness
Check out the Biblical INFORMATION and APPLICATION:
“15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” (Heb 12:15)
The first word phrase to study is “looking diligently,” ἐπισκοπέω,(ep-ee-skop-eh’-o), which means to look upon, exercise oversight, care for, visit.
Next, notice the word “fail,” ὑστερέω (hoos-ter-eh’-o), which means fall behind, am lacking, fall short, suffer need, am inferior to. In other words, when it comes to bitterness we can fall short of the “grace of God.”
The word “grace” is χάρις, ιτος,(khar’-ece), which means…..
- grace, as a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ,
- favor,
- gratitude,
- thanks,
- a favor, kindness.
This indicates that as a CHRISTian we can miss out on the favor of God. Grace received – Grace extended.
The word “root” is ῥίζα, (hrid’-zah), which means a root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Bitterness starts as a root or seed. Then, if left unchecked, it can blossom into a full grown plant with offshoots of leaves, branches and ultimately corrupt fruit.
The word “bitterness” is πικρία, (pik-ree’-ah), which means bitterness, harshness, an embittered (resentful) spirit. Have you ever known someone who has a “bitter” (resentful) spirit?
The word “trouble” is ἐνοχλέω, (en-okh-leh’-o), which means to crowd in, to disturb, cause tumult, trouble, annoy. Have you ever felt crowded by being annoyed? Troubled? Disturbed?
The word “defiled” is μιαίνω, (me-ah’-ee-no), which means stain, pollute, defile, corrupt. Did you read in the text (Heb 12:15) where “many” will be “defiled” or polluted, stained, and corrupted?
Conclusion: Bitterness is a deadly disease. Life is full of opportunities to become bitter. Yet, God in His mercy, has provided a way of escape from being “bitten with bitterness” through His AMAZING GRACE displayed through JESUS CHRIST’S substitutionary death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. After ascending into heaven, He poured out His Holy Spirit who now EMPOWERS the believer in Christ to deal with “BITTERNESS” before it deals with us.