“I’M DONE”
Noelle McDermott
Today's Scripture: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” Hebrews 12:14-15, ESV
Theme: Bitterness and revenge will never truly satisfy us.
“I DON’T CARE ANYMORE”
In Spiderman: No Way Home, Aunt May died at the hands of the Green Goblin, the counterpart to Norman Osborn who Aunt May convinced Peter to try saving. Peter held Aunt May in his arms as she died, and his outlook on saving the multiverse villains instantly and completely changed. He blamed his optimistic outlook for causing Aunt May to die and told those around him, “It’s not my problem. I don’t care anymore. I’m done.” Instead of hoping to save Norman Osborn, Peter now wished to kill him and nearly succeeded. Peter’s hurt started to lead him down a road of bitterness and revenge.
ROOT OF BITTERNESS
Even when we experience hurt or bitterness, we may believe that we can compartmentalize our unforgiving attitudes toward someone else. Our resentment is only toward that one person, right? But bitterness is never content to remain solely where it is. Bitterness will fester and bleed into every other area of our life. If not extracted by the roots, bitterness will continue to grow out like a creeping vine, threatening to choke us, not only physically but spiritually. The author of Hebrews writes that this “root of bitterness…causes trouble” and “defiles” many. Bitterness pollutes the life of holiness the Lord tells us to live. We must be vigilant to root out bitterness when it begins to creep in and wrap around our hearts.
FREEDOM IN FORGIVENESS
Choosing forgiveness will root out bitterness. By making the deliberate decision to forgive someone of the ways they have wronged us, we simultaneously must make the decision to put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk” (Colossians 3:8b, ESV). When thoughts of bitterness arise, we must make the active choice to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5b, ESV) and not let bitterness take hold in our hearts. However, this will be impossible to achieve unless we ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control in our thoughts and discipline in our emotions. But by continually walking with the Spirit, there is freedom from bitterness and freedom in forgiveness.
Make It Personal: Be actively aware of thoughts you have throughout the rest of your day and take note of them. How many of them view someone in a negative light? What is your relationship and your thoughts toward that person? Do you harbor bitterness toward them? Is there something you may not have truly forgiven them for?
Pray: Father, reveal to me where there may be roots of bitterness growing in my heart. Show me where my thoughts do not honor others, and therefore, do not honor You. Help me discipline my thoughts to put away bitterness. Thank You for the freedom that can be found in You and Your Son. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Colossians 3:1-2, 7-10; Galatians 5:13-25
Weekly Memory Verse: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34, ESV