Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. -Hebrews 12:14-15 ESV

Warrior;

Are you like a porcupine?  You may have a few good points, but it is hard to be near you?  One of my favorite preachers who went to be with the Lord decades ago, Adrian Rogers posited this statement: “Bitterness does more to hold back the Power of God than Liberalism, Alcoholism and Pornography.  The Root of Bitterness keeps the People of God from having the POWER OF GOD and the Holiness of God that they need in their hearts and lives!”  There is a Spirit of Offense that seems to be ruling the day.  We are told to beware of the wiles of the enemy!  The Bait of Satan is the Spirit of OFFENSE. We are so easily offended, and so ready to feed the strife of the day. It is written: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:16) Strife, envy, covetousness, offense…a toxic recipe for something called, BITTERNESS! It is in our government, our politics, our communities, our churches, our families, and unfortunately- in our hearts. 

Leader, in the parable of the Sower and the Seed- See Mark 4:1-20; the Sower spreads His seed on 4 different types of soil; The path, the Rocky Ground, among the Thorns, and on Good Soil- where it sprouted, grew up, and produced a crop—one bearing thirtyfold, another sixtyfold, and another a hundredfold.” We must remember- it is the SAME SEED. The SEED was the SAME, what was different was the SOIL! Jesus goes on to tell us the meaning of the parable.  He tells us that the soil is the heart, it is what we choose to focus on, hold onto, and\or fear\desire the most. This is why the Lord tells us that Agape love keeps no record of wrong, no pound of flesh, keeps no account of past HURTS, BRUISES and SCARS.  See 1 Corinthians 13:1-4. The ROOT dictates FRUIT!  The ROOT of Bitterness starts underground, in our heads and hearts.  We let our feelings take over- we feel we are owed; we deserve more! Our thoughts begin to germinate, “We deserve better… they can’t treat me that way… who do they think they are….do they know who I am… I’ll never forget!” So, the Bitter Root springs up and becomes BITTER FRUIT.  The root produces the slow burn of WRATH which when given oxygen from the opening of doors into people’s lives and it BURSTS into the flames of ANGER.  We then express it out loud with CLAMOR and the devil feeds that and we start EVIL SPEAKING which in today’s world- when it is OK to hate!  This hate ferments, manifests itself into MALICE; the DESIRE to hurt somebody physically.  This is the state of politics in America today.

Conduit; read the Sermon on the Mount, Luke 6:27-38. We are told how to treat those who HATE us, CURSE us, ABUSE us, and STRIKES us.  Read Isaiah 53, and REMEMBER how Jesus is described, He is called, The Man of Sorrows.   In all the unjustness, unfairness and troubles of life, God uses these things to make us more like Jesus.  We remember that God has forgiven us, so we are to forgive others.  For while we were yet sinners God demonstrated His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins. Hear the Word of the Lord; “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord”. (Romans 12:17-19) Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’ (Deuteronomy 32:35) It’s time to start being like our LORD and STOP being like the WORLD- church! For many in the church are becoming DEFILED- becoming like the world and keeping a pound of flesh and a record of wrong.  We are called to forgive, lest ye be forgiven!  Leave your Strife, Envy, Covetousness and Social Gospel at the FOOT OF THE CROSS, Warrior- and let GOD BE GOD!