How Can We Avoid Letting a Bitter Root Grow in Our Lives?
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“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15).
Most of us have experienced the feeling of bitterness at some point, and can agree that it is a distressing emotion. And once it rises, the feeling can linger for a long time unless it is dealt with correctly. The writer of Hebrews wrote this verse hoping to protect the early church from the destruction bitterness can cause.
The image of a sour root growing up among a body of believers was a powerful way to remind God’s people about the dangers of letting unforgiveness and discontent well up within our hearts. And if we’re not careful, it can happen before we realize there is a problem. Fortunately, Scripture offers us the prevention and the cure.
What Is This Verse Talking About?
Simply put, Hebrews 12:15 is a clear instruction about guarding and protecting the integrity of a church body. Each section conveys a sense of urgency to the command.
“See to it…”
This directive is given to everyone who is part of the church – leadership and lay members alike. All who call themselves part of the family of God need to be ready to respond in obedience.
“... that no one falls short of the grace of God”
According to Scripture, wrong heart attitudes like unforgiveness and self-righteousness can keep a person from receiving grace. God will never force Himself on us, and so if we trust in our own goodness and lack humility, then we will possibly miss out on the working of His healing grace in our hearts and minds.
“...that no bitter root grows up”
The lack of God’s grace in our lives results in a sense of bitterness. For when we are self-centered, we expect others, and God, to fill our needs all the time. We are more impatient, and more bothered when things don’t go the way we plan.
“...to cause trouble and defile many.”
What kind of trouble? If our inner attitudes and thoughts are full of that bitterness, it will appear in outward words and actions that impact those around us at home and in church negatively – and perhaps reach into the world beyond.
The Apostle Paul was very aware of this possibility in each of us. And he had no doubt seen how one person’s behavior could compromise a whole congregation’s health, and its influence in the world. He often mentioned this idea in letters to churches he had planted.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31).
“Your boasting is not good” (1 Corinthians 5:6).
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14).
This idea harkens back to warnings Jesus gave His disciples using the image of yeast, or leavening, being spread through bread dough and affecting the whole loaf. This represented how the wrong teachings of the religious elite would contaminate the minds and hearts of His followers, and weaken their witness to others.
“’But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11-12).
“...Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy’” (Luke 12:1).
What Is the "Bitter Root"?
Bitter roots have been born out of simple disagreements, or unintentional offenses. However they start, it’s essential that the initial upset, frustration or hurt is dealt with. If the air isn’t cleared, the seed for division and pain is planted.
And once bitterness has settled into a person’s heart, it eventually comes out in harsh words or actions that often impact others they talk to.
What Is Hebrews All About?
Authorship of Hebrews has long been debated. Scholars have found evidence both for and against the Apostle Paul being the one who wrote it. Other suggestions include Luke, Barnabas, Phillip and Apollos. Whoever the author was, the purpose was to prove the authority of Christ and encourage believers to persevere in their faith walks.
The book was an attempt to reach at least two specific groups in the church at that time: Jews who had converted to Christianity but felt a pull back to the ways of Judaism, and new believers who hadn’t fully learned and embraced following Jesus.
Many Hebrew Christians at the time were going through social and sometimes physical persecution from the Jews and Romans. Some were considering returning to their former religious life. Hebrews was an attempt to remind these believers of Biblical truths, and to reassure them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
What Else Happens in Hebrews 12?
Chapter 12 starts with the word “therefore,” which is used to refer to something that has already been stated, and also to build on it. The author goes on, “since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,” and gives and impressive list of people of faith from the previous chapter. The author gives this directive to the followers of Christ:
“...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The next several verses talk about how we should welcome and value God’s discipline in our lives. It is meant to bring us good, and to make us stronger spiritually. And as we grow, we’ll begin to seek a new unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ - a crucial part of God’s plan.
How We Can Apply This to Our Lives?
Those who truly want to follow Christ are called to a higher standard of behavior. Scripture gives us lots of guidance about what that looks like.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13).
This verse can be lived out in both spiritual and very practical ways.
In terms of our inward heart attitude:
- Don’t let grudges take hold
- Be content with what God has for you
- Pray regularly for others to be blessed
In terms of what we say and do outwardly:
- Avoid gossip
- Use our words to encourage and support each other
- Be ready to gently guide others in this area
In terms of how we communicate with each other:
- Share if you’ve felt offended or hurt by someone
- Be willing to try and work an issue out together
- Ask for help if you’re struggling with bitterness
Hebrews 12:15 contains a message that is as timely today as when it was first written. For as humans, we can be easily tempted to let disagreements or trouble make us hard-hearted. But as God’s people, we can ask for His power to cut away any root of bitterness and keep it out of our lives.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Annie Spratt
