Some sins are obvious to everyone, while others remain covered and undiscovered. For example, drunkenness is difficult to disguise. Corrupt speech is evident to all who hear it. But resentment and bitterness can fester without detection.
The Bible addresses this hidden culprit, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). Notice four things about bitterness…
Bitterness is BURIED. That’s why it is referred to as a “root of bitterness.” Roots are underground and below the surface. They are unseen, unnoticed, undetected, and often unsuspected.
That’s why I call bitterness the subliminal sin. “Subliminal” refers to something below the threshold of conscious awareness or perception. It is difficult or impossible for the mind to perceive. In fact, it is so stealthy that even the person harboring resentment may be unaware of its deadly presence.
Subliminal images can be buried in the background so people do not recognize them. Movie theaters experimented with subliminal imaging to increase counter sales. The frames on the screen were shown so quickly that the conscious mind could not process the information. It was an advertising technique that appealed to the subconscious mind in order to influence behavior—buying more popcorn and soda.
How does a root of bitterness develop? First, there is offense which produces hurt. It can be as mundane as a disappointment, or severe as a betrayal. Then comes the grief of being offended. If the hurt and pain are not healed, it will produce animosity. Unresolved hurt produces a root of bitterness. In turn, the hidden root will feed the fruit of bitterness.
Bitterness is BOILING. It “springs up,” The word “springing” means to puff, blow up, swell, sprout, or grow. It conveys the idea of a boiling pot of water. Nursing a hurt will produce anger, which fuels a boiling up inside the human heart.
Once the root has taken hold, bitter people repeatedly replay the offensive episode in the theater of their minds. Constantly ruminating over their hurt keeps the wound raw and real. If unchecked, it will consume their mind and life.
Meditating on the wrongs inflicted upon us causes a seething anger within. Wrong meditations will bring about negative manifestations. It is the polluted heart of man that gives birth to words, actions, and even violent reactions.
Be angry but don’t sin was Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 4:26. He went on to admonish—don’t let the sun go down upon your wrath. In other words, when hurtful things happen, deal with it immediately. Forget about anger management, what you need is anger resolution! Don’t keep rehearsing things that keep you upset.
Bitterness is BOTHERSOME. Whenever a root of bitterness springs up it will “trouble you.” The word “trouble” means to crowd in, annoy, or bother. A bitter soul is a bothered soul. Who has not experienced anguish of heart over the actions of others?
Bothered individuals have unhealed souls, which in turn bring about bad habits and patterns. Troubled souls may entertain vengeful thoughts—wishing evil on the person who hurt them. Some enter into a depression which causes the loss of emotional resilience. Others tend toward isolation—afraid to associate with others for fear of being hurt again. Alcohol, drug, and other addictions often result from a broken heart. Still others develop a critical spirit—obsessing on the faults of others instead of dealing with the root. Every one of these symptoms are indications of a worship disorder, which eliminates peace.
Bitterness is BLEMISHING. The corrosive effect from a root of bitterness causes many to “be defiled.” The word “defiled” carries the idea of contaminated, tainted, or poisoned. The degrading effect of bitterness cannot be overstated. In Jewish culture every species of poison was referred to as a “bitter.” And bitterness is poison which soils and defiles.
Bitterness is like cancer; it never remains stationary. It spreads. Like malignant disease, it diverts the life-giving nutrients and energy from the good cells. It is a self-feeding disorder that brings death.
But a bitter person not only injures himself, he brings a corrupting influence to those around him— “many be defiled.” He spreads misery in every environment. Hurt people hurt others. Troubled people cause trouble.
I believe there is a correlation between bitterness and immorality. Right after Hebrews chapter twelve and verse fifteen, Esau is mentioned in the next verse. Not only was he bitter, he was a fornicator and a profane person (verse 16). A sick heart contributes to a sinful lifestyle.
There are no winners with bitterness. It is a buried, bothersome, boiling, and blemishing sin. However, it is an avoidable nuisance.
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
Bitterness must be recognized, and removed. Our diligent pursuit is the sole means to access the amazing grace of God. Not only can God’s grace prevent the root from taking hold in the first place, it can pluck it out as well!
Harold Vaughan
