Tonight I had an interesting experience as I participated in a Bible Study in a virtual environment called Second Life. The topic was bitterness and unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for the “discussion” time as I was reminded of my days working for Elijah House and running workshops on inner healing. These never really took off at our church and I’m not sure why… is it because these issues of bitterness and unforgiveness run so deep?
Another thing I wanted to say in the session is that bitterness is not particularly swift. I think it more often creeps upon us. First, there might be anger or disappointment, but then, the effects of a situation begin to repeat in our minds. Instead of casting these thoughts and feelings on the throne of our God, we nurture them and they grow. Before too long, we have created a bitter root. It is not easy to heal a bitter root. It is not easy to pull the root out. In fact, sometimes we become so accustomed to bitterness, that is feels normal. Not only that, but some bitterness has lived in our hearts and minds for long, long time–we don’t remember it. Only God can truly reveal these deep bitter root judgments. And once revealed, it is important to begin the process of confession and forgiveness. For truly, bitter root judgments are sin.
The last thing is that most people continue to lose sight of the role of forgiveness. It does not erase what a person has done. It merely cuts the cord that binds us to the situation or the person. Forgiveness is a choice not a feeling. We can consciously choose to forgive even if we don’t “feel it.” God will do the rest.
This type of forgiveness is quite difficult in the face of abuse or pain. It is not for us to treat these situations lightly. I believe God calls the heart when it is ready. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” It is God’s grace that allows us to forgive … and also God’s grace that protects us. But we must cover ourselves in His cloak of grace.
Meditations from Zion 
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