Heb. 12:15 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;


It is so easy to become bitter. We have recently had to deal with many situations where the term “stabbed in the back” would fit perfectly. I have found myself struggling to truly love people, and I’ve caught myself becoming less trusting of those around me. I’m always thinking things like, “Well, they say they are my friend, but…are they?” 


Yesterday, I read 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter! 1 Cor. 13:5 says that charity “…thinketh no evil…” Ouch! I have been guilty of evil thinking, or evil surmising, about those whom I should love! I asked the Lord to forgive me and help me to love others, including those who may not love me back, without reservation. I want to take the risk of being hurt, and love unconditionally. I want to open myself up even more, despite being mistreated. But, I’ll be honest, I can’t do this in my own strength. My flesh cannot do this. I must have the help of the Lord.


I’m also on guard against bitterness. We could all be bitter at someone, couldn’t we? An ex-husband or boyfriend, a “friend” who wasn’t a friend, a parent or sibling who did us wrong, and the list goes on and on. 


We’ve been having van trouble lately, and I was a bit worried that my youngest daughter and I would be stranded on the way home from the store a few days ago. I thought about some people in our town who do not like us. I wondered, if I broke down, and they passed me, would they stop and help me? Would I receive their help? 


That got me to thinking…I know, scary, right? 😉 Perhaps a good “bitterness test” would be this: Is there anyone in your life, that if they were broken down on the side of the road you would refuse to stop and help? If there is someone, or several someones like that, then you are probably bitter. I asked myself this question and I have to be honest, it would be hard for me to do, but I would. I don’t know if some people would want my help, but I would offer it. 


And you know, that’s all I can do. I can only control me. If they want to be bitter at me for something, I cannot change that.


They say that bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. I don’t want that poison in me.