Hope & Quill Co.

“ . . . lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, . . .” (Hebrews 12:15)

Some flowers (and weeds) have tuberous roots. You may dig up the plant and gather some of the roots, but in a few weeks or even days, you find the plant springing back up. This is a good indicator that the root system is tuberous. 

Dealing with bitterness can look the same way. We think we’ve dealt with the root. We’ve even gained victory over it for a while. But then something happens and that root of bitterness springs back up to trouble us. A root we didn’t realize we missed when pulling up the bulk of the plant.

Sometimes, we get so used to the roots that have wrapped themselves around our hearts that when we pull them up, it leaves a hole like digging up a root system would. Something is going to fill that hole and if we aren’t careful, it will be the same bitterness we just pulled out. 

Ephesians tells us that once “all bitterness” has been “put away,” we should fill those holes with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. And that can be difficult when you have experienced deep hurt. 

In my experience, when those emotions start rising, my flesh wants to exude wrath. I want vengeance for the injustice. But the Lord said vengeance was His. So let Him have it. Give Him all your raw, ugly emotions—He is truly the only One who can heal those wounds and give peace to your turmoil.

You may think you have those roots exposed and killed off. But on the chance something triggers a memory and sends you back into that whirlwind of hurt, anger, and ultimately bitterness, remember God was right there through your hurt the whole time and understands your backstory. Give Him those emotions. Trust Him to make things right.