Avoid The Root Of Bitterness.

“that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled”

The root is a growth of a seed. Usually that seed is hurt or disappointment. We all have both of these. Because we are human and we interact with humans all day long, the potenial for hurt and disappointment is great. It’s what we do with this is what’s important. This is in the context of discipline and trials. These are from God to cause us to mature. We have to comply. Sometimes it takes us a while and sometimes we don’t grow. When this happens, it almost like an infection. The pain is still there. In fact, it gets worse if we don’t go God’s way. The natural thing to do when we are in pain is to talk about it. This gives us release. However, if we deal with it in an inappropriate way, then our malady is contagious. Others catch it and the disease is spread. This is very common. When Moses was receiving the tablets at Sinai, the people were at the base of the mountain rebelling against Moses and God. Some who opposed Moses were spreading discent. It took Moses 40 days to come down. That was plenty of time to spread rumors and to enlist people to oppose Moses. In any group (a family, friends, a church, a small group, an office, etc.) there is conflict and hurt. We can choose to grow or get bitter. Growth is difficult. Sometimes it means just compliance. Other times it means working out our differences with others. In all of this, we will talk with others. I’ve heard it said that when discussing a problem, we should ask “is the audience part of the problem or part of the solution?” If neither, then it’s gossip. If we gossip, we aren’t helping the pain, but making it worse. And we are spreading the infection. This doesn’t mean we can’t talk about our pain. It just needs to be told in general terms, so the reputation of others isn’t damaged.  Galatians 6:2 says, to “bear one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” When we talk it out constructively, we are allowing others to bear our burden. This allows the poison to be removed without the chance of spreading it.
Lord, help us to deal with our pain in a constructive way. Thank You for those that You bring to us to help with our burdens.