Hebrews
12:15 (
NASB ) “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no ROOT of
BITTERNESS springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled”
#1 – Unforgiveness … when Bitterness
gets a foothold in your mind then you begin to make a record of all the
“wrongs” others have done to you. Just the mention of someone’s name may trigger
some painful or hurtful memories you need to make certain you have truly
forgiven
#2 – Resentment … as you record the
“wrongs” done against you then you begin to meditate and “chew” on those
things. You think in your mind but feel in your heart. Resentment
is a spiritual problem, not a psychological problem. Resentment is part of the conflict
in your life.
#3 – Retaliation … if you let Resentment get
a foothold in you then Retaliation follows it. Letting it simmer in your mind
brings up ways you want to “get back at some person” who caused you to suffer.
You are saying “it is time for PAYBACK” and time to get even
#4 – Anger … you didn’t resolve and
let go of Resentment then Anger comes upon you.
You
let the bitterness turn to unforgiveness, then resentment, then retaliation,
and now the stronger feelings are building up. God says “don’t let the sun set
on your Anger”. Do you have anger that is ruling your spirit? Who / what really
upsets you and sets you off?
#5 – Hatred … as Anger works itself in
you then comes Hatred who says: “Because I remember what you did to me, I have
been meditating on it, I really resent you, now I am going to really get even
with you.” My “pressure-cooker” is going full steam, I am adding fuel to it
right now and there is no reason for you to even exist anymore in my presence.
Hatred says “you and I cannot even stay in the same room together”. You have to
go. Feelings of eliminating the person come in, working on your emotions and
thoughts.
#6
– Violence …if Hatred is not stopped it sets the stage for
Violence, who says: “before I eliminate you, you are going to “FEEL MY PAIN”,
you will hear my voice, you will know my hatred, and you are going to
“experience it”
#7
– Murder … if Violence erupts all that is left from the
fruit of bitterness is Murder. Physical murder, character assassination or
verbal abuse. The combination of hatred – violence – murder in a person’s life
makes the person feel justified and everybody else “is going to pay the price”.
Have you ever been a “victim” of this mindset?