CHOOSE YOUR ROOT
Many years ago I planted a small piece of ivy in a whiskey barrel. Over the course of time that small vine almost took out one entire section of my garden. It grew and grew and spread well beyond the barrel. And I didn’t like the way it looked. So when I decided to dig it up it took forever because the roots were deep and wide spread.
Recently I found my way to Hebrew’s and notes that I had written a few years back on bitterness jumped out at me. There’s nothing like God’s word and a past note that will stop you in your tracks. I thought about my garden. Bitterness is just like the ivy. It starts small but over time it will overshadow everything about us; even our relationship with God.
“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews 12:15
But wait?! If I have bitterness it’s just me that suffers right? What is God saying? The ivy in my garden prevented other beautiful flowers from growing. It infiltrated, it took over, it just kept growing. Bitterness, just like ivy, “corrupts many.” God is saying it’s not just us we need to be concerned about. Ouch!
God’s word makes two very clear distinctions about roots. There’s the bitter root and then there’s the faith root that takes hold when we come to know Christ and start to live our lives in a relationship with Him through prayer and reading the Bible.
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
The ivy in my garden was unattractive and evasive but think about what a “well watered” flower garden could produce. That rooted image reminds me of love, joy, peace, and holiness – not bitterness. This is what our lives can look like when we are rooted in God and as our faith grows stronger. These are the roots I want in my life so that I too can overflow with thankfulness.
Does accepting Christ mean you’ll never have to deal with bitterness? Absolutely not! Does accepting Christ and continuing to grow your relationship with Him help drown out these bitter roots? Yes, yes it does.
When you start to feel hurt, deep grief, or resentment, declare out loud in the name of Jesus to rid your heart of the bitter root. Friends, I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit. But when the Holy Spirit fills us up; we can be healed. Yes, you can be healed!
Which root will you choose? One that is poisonous and corrupts many or one that brings life and allows you to overflow with thankfulness?
If you are in the middle of dealing with bitterness; we’d love to pray for you. You don’t have to give details but just drop us a PM saying you need prayer and we will pray. We love each of you.
Keep letting your roots grow!
Heather & Lisa
