Danger Ahead - Bitterness!

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

God commands each of us to get along with one another. The Bible also instructs us to go to the person who has offended us and discuss the offense. Anger turns to bitterness and bitterness grows like a cancer causing hearts to become very cold and callous. Bitterness is sin and if the devil has convinced you otherwise you have certainly been deceived. Sin always blocks our vision of God.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

Bitterness is clearly described as a root. Most of the time you cannot see a root because it is buried deep within the ground. If the root of a tree is damaged the tree will perish. If we harbor bitterness in our hearts it will most definitely affect every area of our lives. When we bury bitterness and anger deep within our hearts we can never live in victory. We will never be happy. We will not experience peace and joy is totally out of the question. Our walk with Christ will be tainted. If things are not resolved with the person who hurt you, bitterness will contaminate everything about your life. Your personality, your attitude, and most importantly your relationship with Christ. When bitterness shows up in our hearts it overshadows even our deepest Christian relationships. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills our lives, however, he leaves no room for bitterness.

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing - but by then it was too late, tears or no tears. Hebrews 12:14-17 (The Message)

If we are sincere about chasing God and fulfilling His will for our lives, holiness and God's character must permeate our lives. There is no place in a Christian's life for bitterness, discord or complaining.  If you have elected to leave your church and have recently started to attend another church don't criticize and destroy the work of the former pastor and church. You are living in a very dangerous place if you are constantly gossiping. The Bible doesn't say some sin or a little sin will enter heaven. The Bible clearly states that sin separates us from God and no sin will enter heaven. The tongue can be a weapon and will keep many from eternity with our Heavenly Father.

We are truly living in the last days and people who served the Lord all their lives are being deceived and have turned away from God. Become intentional about serving God.  Seek Him daily by reading your Bible and praying. Grow a close relationship with Christ. Walk so close to God that you will know without a shadow of a doubt that when the trumpet sounds you will be gone! Life is too short to carry bitterness and anger in your heart. Make things right today. No one is worth missing heaven over. And besides that ....... God has a great plan for your life!

Blessings!